New sea defences aim to safeguard historic Hurst Castle

New sea defences have been built at Hurst Castle - part of which collapsed earlier this year after the seafront fort was battered by a ferocious storm.

About 5,000 tonnes of granite boulders and 6,000 tonnes of shingle have been used to construct a 90-metre barrier that shields part of the site.

The defences aim to absorb and dissipate the energy of the waves that often pound the castle, which is at the end of Hurst Spit.

• Storm blamed for partial collapse of Hurst Castle

Earlier this year a 38-metre section of the east wing toppled into the sea, exposing the interior and leaving the foreshore covered in huge chunks of masonry.

Picture: Stephen Bath

The new defences extend into the Solent and are designed to protect the east wing from the power of the sea.

Rob Woodside, English Heritage's estates director, said: "I am pleased with the progress that has been made on site over the past month.

"The new defences have been completed ahead of schedule and it's a welcome sight to observe the protection they are offering to this part of the castle.

“Though this is good news, it only represents the first phase of our response.

"The next stage will be much more complex, with contractors working to underpin the damaged section before the team move in to safely clear the debris.

The new sea defences at Hurst Castle. Picture: English Heritage

“Meanwhile we will be continuing our monitoring in the castle’s east and west wings to ensure we have the best possible picture of the forces affecting the castle and can plan how to best protect it for the future.”

• English Heritage warns that other parts of Hurst Castle could collapse

The Tudor keep - the most historic part of the castle – remains open to the public but the two wings are currently closed to visitors.

Part of the east wing collapsed on February 26 after the sea exposed and undercut the foundations.

Two years ago English Heritage stabilised the foundations of the west wing, replaced broken groynes and barriers and replenished the beach with 7,500 tonnes of shingle.

The new coastal defences at Hurst Castle. Picture: English Heritage

In 2017 it invested £1m in a major project to repair and conserve the castle’s roof.

The original castle was built by Henry VIII between 1541 and 1544 to guard the Needles Passage and the approach to the port of Southampton.

The wings were added in the 1860s as part of a massive project to fortify that part of the south coast.