Tonbridge Castle to undergo renovation works

Works to secure the structural safety of the embankment supporting the East Curtain Wall at Tonbridge Castle are due to commence on Monday 10 September.

The works will involve the removal of the upper path and two trees, which have both contributed to severe slippage of the embankment and threaten its safety.

The aim of the works is to reinstate the embankment as a simple earth structure, as it would have been built.

Future access to the Castle grounds will therefore be via the lower mote path or via the riverbank path.

The works are being carried out in conjunction with English Heritage, and an archaeological team will be on site in case anything interesting should be unearthed during the works and warrant further research.

The works will take approximately three weeks to complete, and will be timed to avoid events and four weddings scheduled to take place at the Castle, with some works being suspended should they coincide with any ceremonies.

The Castle will continue to be open for tours throughout the renovations.

Steve Humphrey, Director of Planning & Transportation says: "These works are essential to ensure the long term future of this historic site and of course, the safety of the general public when visiting the Castle.

"The works are being timed to ensure that disruption to the general public and to visitors to the Castle is kept to a minimum, and therefore not interfere with the enjoyment of the Castle and its grounds."