Nestled near Winchester, Hampshire, the ancient Merdon Castle, with its rich history dating back to the 12th century, has recently been removed from Historic England's Heritage At Risk list, thanks to a meticulous restoration effort that cost nearly £300,000. This remarkable feat was achieved through a partnership between Historic England, Winchester University, and the landowner, highlighting the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and the valuable opportunities it brings for education and community engagement.

Merdon Castle's Past

Merdon Castle's history can be traced back to its construction between 1129 and 1138 by Henry de Blois, Bishop of Winchester, during the reign of his brother, Stephen, the last Norman king of England. Originally designed as a motte and bailey castle, it served various purposes throughout the centuries, even functioning as a bishop's palace for a significant portion of its existence. The castle's unique setting within the ramparts of an earlier hill fort, which likely dates back to the late Bronze Age or early Iron Age (8th to 5th centuries BC), adds an extra layer of historical significance to this site.

Over the years, Merdon Castle had faced the threat of deterioration, with overgrowth and loose stonework placing it on the Heritage At Risk register.

The Restoration Effort

Recognizing the importance of preserving this historical gem, a comprehensive restoration project was initiated, involving specialist repairs, repointing, and the innovative introduction of soft capping, which added a protective layer of earth and grass to the tops of the castle's ruined walls. Additionally, a 400ft "bottomless" well, a fascinating feature of the castle, was made safe and capped. The restoration work was made possible with the support of Historic England, which granted £240,700 toward the project. The remaining funding was generously provided by the landowner, who maintains the site for public access, offering regular community walks and promoting a sense of shared ownership and responsibility for preserving this piece of history.

Historic England architect Elspeth Faulkner emphasized the critical nature of the repairs, stating, "Merdon Castle has spent many years on the Heritage At Risk register, and it was critical that a programme of repairs was undertaken now to avoid further loss." These repairs have not only ensured the preservation of the castle but have also created exciting opportunities for students and the wider community.

Education and Community Engagement

The restoration project also forged a valuable partnership between Historic England and Winchester University, opening up exciting prospects for students to learn archaeological field techniques by engaging with Merdon Castle. Dr. Monika Knul, from the University of Winchester, expressed her delight, saying, "We're excited to expand this programme so that students, and the monument itself, benefit in the long term." This partnership not only ensures the continued preservation of Merdon Castle but also enriches educational opportunities in the region.

The removal of Merdon Castle from Historic England's Heritage At Risk register serves as a shining example of what can be achieved when stakeholders, including government bodies, educational institutions, and dedicated landowners, collaborate to preserve our historical treasures. As Merdon Castle stands proudly once again, its rich history and the lessons it offers about our past remain accessible to future generations, reminding us of the importance of safeguarding our cultural heritage.