A section of Hadrian’s Wall has been repaired thanks to funding made available through the Higher Level Stewardship scheme administered by Natural England.
The repair which is on part of Hadrian’s Wall between the impressive Roman fort remains at Great Chesters and Housesteads, provides protection for both the Roman remains of the Wall and early conservation work carried out by John Clayton in the 19th century. As a reminder of his work this section is still known today as the ‘Clayton Wall’.
Frances Fewster, Natural England’s Historic Environment Adviser said: ‘‘We are delighted to have helped fund the repair of such a historically important and iconic landmark. This project will halt the further deterioration of the Clayton Wall, protect the Roman remains within it, and also has the benefit of preventing stock from crossing between farms. Given the importance of the site and its archaeology, it has been vital that the restoration work was carried out sensitively. Close working with English Heritage, the National Trust and the owners and tenants of the neighbouring land has been critical in helping achieve this”.
Discussions between these interested parties helped identify a suitable approach to the repair project designed to ensure the survival of historical remains and protection of the landscape. The remains were first recorded using rectified photography to provide an accurate picture of their condition prior to any works taking place. Then, where repair works were necessary, and where sufficient stone from the Clayton Wall was still present, the remains were repaired using the same drystone construction as used in Clayton’s original 19th century repairs. This work was supervised by archaeologists to ensure that the intact Roman remains beneath Clayton’s work were undisturbed. Where there was insufficient stone left from the Clayton Wall to allow its repair, loose stones were anchored using turf, whilst fencing ensured the stock-proof nature of the structure, in order to avoid the potential damage that could be caused by bringing in large quantities of new stone.
Two local firms were commissioned to undertake the repairs. Peter Kempsey a conservation architect with Countryside Consultants of Alston, specified the repairs. He said: ‘‘We are very proud to participate in a new chapter in the tale of this particular section of the World Heritage Site.’’
The restoration work was carried out by Heritage Consolidation Ltd of nearby Blenkinsop Castle. Gary Simpson of Heritage Consolidation said: ‘‘It is an absolute privilege to work on such a historic site. We have conducted the work in the most sensitive of ways ensuring the least disruption to both the monument and the area as a whole. By undertaking this repair the future of this part of the wall has been safeguarded for generations to come.’’
Mike Collins, English Heritage’s Historic Environment Adviser for Hadrian’s Wall said: ‘‘This work wouldn’t have been possible without the input of all the partners involved in this project, and we are very grateful for all their help. As a result of this work, this section of the Clayton Wall has been saved from further decay, whilst the protection it provides to the Roman remains below has been achieved without compromising the site’s archaeological importance.’’
Hadrian’s Wall was originally built almost 2000 years ago by the Emperor Hadrian. Today the historic and cultural importance of the wall is recognized by its designation as a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a World Heritage Site. Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail runs alongside the wall as an unbroken 84 mile signposted trail stretching from coast to coast, from Wallsend in the east to Bowness-on-Solway in the west.
Source: Natural England
