A MAJOR milestone has been reached in a multi-million restoration project as massive concrete lintels have secured the ruins of an historic castle.
A giant crane lifted the 3.77 tonne supports over the moat at Astley Castle and into place, making sure that the site is preserved for years to come.
This is a key stage in the building works and marks the halfway point in the revamping of the castle, which was until recently 16th on Britain's Buildings at Risk for many years.
Site project manager, David Marsh, who is compiling a regular blog on developments, said: "This has to be one of the most complex and fascinating building conservation and new build projects anywhere in the UK given the nature of working in and around such a historic and dilapidated structure.
"The main concrete lintel, weighing in at 3.77 tonnes and 7.2 metres in length, manufactured in Bury St Edmunds, will be lifted up to a height of 20 metres over the surrounding landscape and then transported over 50 metres and placed inside the existing castle walls using a giant crane. It’s a key stage of the development here and marks the halfway point in the project."
The moated building, which dates back to the 12th century, was home to England's nine day Queen, Lady Jane Grey and is known as being owned by three Queens, having also belinged to the families of the wives of Edward IV and Henry VII.
Now the site is owned by the Landmark Trust, which launched the £2.5 million refurbishment with 264-year-old building restoration specialists William Anelay charged with the current second phase under architects Witherford, Watson and Mann.
The building work is on course to be completed in the autumn of this year and it will then be available for holidays through the Landmark Trust in early 2012.
Astley Castle was occupied from the 1930s until 1978 when it was hotel which was devastated by a fire.
Funding for its restoration came mainly from the Heritage Lottery Fund, English Heritage and many private individuals.
Peter Pearce, director of the Landmark Trust said: "For over 20 years Landmark has been fighting to rescue this extraordinary castle, a millennium old and owned by three queens of England, from a state of desperate ruin and imminent total loss to the nation. This represents a very exciting stage in the work being carried out there."
For further information about the Astley Castle project visit www.williamanelay.co.uk and www.landmarktrust.org.uk.
