Historic walls protected for future generations

By Tim Clarke 09/12 Updated: 09/12 12:41

Buy photos » Paul Harding is delighted work is now being carried out to protect the medieval city walls. Picture Nick Hands 4811049NHR.

HUNDREDS of years ago they helped to protect the city from invaders.

But now work is taking place to protect and preserve Worcester's medieval city walls for the benefit of future generations.

Specialist stonemasons have been commissioned to clean up the surviving parts of the walls, which are made of medieval sandstone, as part of a joint project between the city council, English Heritage and the National Trust.

The stonework is crumbling in places and needs repairing and repointing along with the clearing of vegetation and litter.

The work is part of the council's wider Conservation Management Plan to look after the city's medieval defences, which surrounded the whole city 500 years ago. Remains can still be seen along The Butts and City Walls Road as well as the riverside, although much more of it survives below ground. The latest part of the project has been supported through a grant of £1,500 from English Heritage and a further £3,000 from the National Trust.

James Dinn, the council's archaeological officer, said: “We should treasure Worcester’s city walls, which have survived from the Middle Ages, just as York does. We are working together with our partners, including English Heritage, to ensure that the walls remain standing for many a generation to come.”

The renovation work has been welcomed by Paul Harding from education company Discover History, who organise regular walking tours which include the city walls.

Mr Harding said: "The walks have been a big success since they started in 2008. They take in the main historical features of Worcester and the city walls are an attraction in their own right.

"'The present stone walls have protected Worcester folk since the 13th Century. Now Worcester folk are protecting them."

A further grant of £7,500 from English Heritage means a second phase of renovation will take place on privately owned sections next year.