Manx National Heritage have embarked on a major conservation project at Peel Castle — one of the largest we’ve undertaken at the castle, where an expert team are currently working to ensure the castle’s ancient curtain wall is protected for future generations.
Why do we need to conserve the castle?
Maintenance and conservation work is essential for all historic buildings, and the ruins of Peel Castle are no exception. This ancient site was first used over 7,000 years ago and has since served as a settlement, religious centre, Viking stronghold, prison, administrative centre and fortress on St Patrick’s Isle. As an Ancient Monument, the castle holds international historical significance and our charity has responsibility to preserve it.
The castle benefits from an annual programme of works, with recent conservation work including specialist works to The Gatehouse, Causeway Tower and Barbican Wall. The current phase of work focuses on the Curtain Wall, where the castle’s sandstone and traditional lime mortar are undergoing conservation after years of exposure to harsh weather and rough seas at its exposed coastal position on St Patrick’s Isle. Our regular maintenance programme helps address ongoing deterioration. Very mixed weather has eroded and weakened the fabric of the castle and driving rain has caused further deterioration.
Manx National Heritage are working with specialist and experienced contractors to carry out the repairs in a traditional and sensitive way.
Our charity needs your support
Most of the project is being funded by our charity and generous donations from our supporters.
Any donation helps, with all funds directly supporting the conservation project:
£10 could cover the cost of a small mortar repair
£35 could cover 1 hour of a repointing conservators time
£140 could lay 1 metre of new stone capping
£175 could reset one stone