'Critical' repairs under way at 11th Century castle

Critical works are under way to repair an 11th century castle on the western coast of the Isle of Man, after exposure to the elements left the outer walls "in a fragile state".

Constructed by the Vikings, Peel Castle is one of the Isle of Man's most historic and popular sites, with thousands of people visiting it every year.

The fortress, which stands on St Patrick's Isle, is known for archaeological finds including the grave of the 'Pagan Lady' in which a Viking necklace was found.

John-Paul Walker, of Manx National Heritage (MHH), called it an "important step in safeguarding one of the Isle of Man's most iconic historic sites against the challenges of time and its exposed coastal setting".

Scaffolding has been placed around the front entrance of the building, marking the beginning of refurbishment and repair works.

Walker, an historic buildings architect who is overseeing the restoration, explained: "The project will focus on the Barbican wall at the castle entrance, where specialist contractors will repair and protect historic masonry using traditional conservation techniques and locally sourced materials."

The work aims to restore the nearly 0.6 miles (1km) curtain wall of the castle, which offers visitors who walk its ramparts spectacular views of the town and the chance to spot seals and basking sharks.

The restoration by MNH is costing £70,000, funded through a capital projects loan from the government - with the works expected to be completed by March 2027.

"Like lots of old places it has many, many phases of construction... and they are all constructed in slightly different ways, with slightly different material, so it is a complex kind of patchwork.

"But it is also a balance, because you don't want to repair and ruin the natural beauty of the castle."

"So we have to be careful how we do the works."

Following an assessment of the whole castle, key areas have been identified and a schedule planned over the next six years, incorporating different phases, Walker explained.

"Obviously we are limited by budget," he added, with the emphasis currently on "what we call high priority" and those significant parts at risk of "being lost".

Since work is being undertaken during the winter months, weather-related delays have also been factored into the restoration schedule.

"It's incredibly exposed," said Walker. "These are critical repairs, and there are risks some stones can collapse because of the incredibly fragile condition it is in.

"But it is incredibly important work both culturally and for the island, identity-wise.

"It will get harsh over the winter, but we have some pretty hardy contractors who are used to working on our structures," he added.

Walker said the work was about more than just preserving the physical walls.

"This castle represents an important part of history.

"The fact that it has history in relation to the Lords of Mann and legends like the Moddey Dhoo and the Black Dog - it means so much more, really, to both the people of the island and visitors."

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