Hurst Castle: English Heritage discusses east wing reopening

But the charity, which owns the historic castle, is unable to give any indication of when the east wing will reopen to the public.

Part of the structure toppled into the sea in February 2021, exposing the interior and leaving the beach covered in rubble.

The original castle was built in Tudor times but major additions were built in the 1850s (Image: Newsquest.)

Soon after the incident, English Heritage embarked on a major coastal defence scheme.

Boulders were deposited in the sea in front of the castle, creating a barrier that aims to shield the damaged area from fierce storms.

READ MORE: English Heritage bids to save Hurst Castle from effects of climate change

The original fortification was built by Henry VIII between 1541 and 1544 amid fears the country could be invaded by France and the Holy Roman Empire.

The east and west wings were added in the 1850s, massively increasing the size of the castle.

The roof of Hurst Castle provides spectacular views of the Solent and the Isle of Wight (Image: Newsquest.)

A 38-metre section of the east wing's outer wall collapsed after the sea exposed - and then undercut - the foundations.

READ MORE: Threat to Hurst Castle highlighted by World Monuments Fund

An English Heritage spokesperson said: "Since the collapse we have worked tirelessly to protect the castle from the catalogue of unique challenges it faces, from harsh winds to the unrelenting sea.

"We have committed several million pounds to stabilise the breach and construct a permanent revetment in front of the east wing, engineered to provide protection for the next 50 years.

"Our most recent work has been to commission a study of extensive geotechnical investigations around the castle, and currently we remain in a planning and evaluating phase.

The lighthouse at Hurst Castle was built by Trinity House in 1867 to guide ships through the western Solent (Image: Newsquest.)

"Although the east wing and beach remain closed, we have been able to open the Tudor fort for the last two years and this year were able to offer additional access to some of the west wing casemates, as well as a section of the roof.

"We have also installed a new display explaining the challenges Hurst Castle faces and the conservation work which has been carried out to date."

Asked if or when the east wing would reopen to visitors the spokesperson said English Heritage was "still in a planning and evaluating phase".

Following the English Civil War, King Charles I was imprisoned at Carisbrooke Castle - also now owned by English Heritage - before being transferred to Hurst Castle.

He was later taken to London, where he was tried and executed in 1649 for treason.