Uncertainty if Hampshire's historic Hurst Castle will be restored

The organisation is preparing to carry out a feasibility study that is likely to determine the extent to which the storm-ravaged Hurst Castle can be rebuilt.

Part of the outer wall of the east wing toppled into the sea last February, exposing the castle's interior and leaving the shoreline covered in rubble.

A huge amount of coastal defence work has already been carried out but the future of the damaged section of the fort remains uncertain.

Hurst Castle occupies an exposed site at the end of a narrow spit that juts out in the Solent, leaving it at the mercy of violent storms.

An English Heritage spokesperson said the organisation had "worked tirelessly" to protect the castle from the unique challenges it faced.

They added: "We have completed the consolidation of the shingle which underlies the foundations either side of the breach.

"The site of the damage has been cleared with the huge granite blocks catalogued and stored on site by our archaeologists.

"After Christmas we'll be strengthening the revetment already constructed to serve as permanent sea defence and conducting a full feasibility evaluation for the repair of the breach and the long-term security of the castle.

"In spite of the immense forces at work along the Hurst Spit, we are continuing to do all we can to try to protect Hurst Castle."

The spokesperson was asked if the east wing would be restored to its former glory, how much the work would cost and when the building would fully reopen to the public. They said: "We aren’t able to provide those answers just yet."

A 38-metre section of the east wing toppled into the sea on February 26 after being battered by a ferocious storm.

As reported in the Daily Echo, about 5,000 tonnes of granite boulders and 6,000 tonnes of shingle have been used to build a 90-metre barrier that shields part of the site.

The new defences aim to absorb and dissipate the energy of the waves that often pound the seafront fort.