Bader College is pleased to announce the successful completion of conservation and restoration work on the south wing of Herstmonceux Castle.
The project represents a significant investment in the long-term preservation of the 15th鈥慶entury Grade鈥疘 listed building and Scheduled Monument, ensuring its continued role as a place of learning, scholarship, and cultural exchange.
Undertaken over the past year and completed on schedule, the works addressed critical areas of the castle鈥檚 fabric, including the parapet walls of the gatehouse, masonry and brickwork repairs, replacement of corbels, and renewal of roof coverings and drainage systems.
鈥淭he restoration of the south elevation is an important milestone and allows the full opening of the castle to academic and educational programming, scholars' retreats, and other events in 2026,鈥 said Matthew鈥疎vans, Provost and Vice鈥慞rincipal (Academic), Queen鈥檚 University
Led by Gould鈥疊axter Architects鈥痑nd鈥疭urveyors (Lead鈥疌onsultants), with main contractor Valley鈥疊uilders and specialist conservators at鈥 Archer鈥疭tone鈥疪estoration, the project brought together expertise from across the heritage and construction sectors to ensure the highest standards of conservation practice.
The completion of this phase of work coincides with the launch of a new academic model at Bader鈥疌ollege. Under this framework, faculty from Queen鈥檚 and partner institutions will bring discrete student cohorts to the castle to undertake specialized modules and short-term programs. The campus will also host professional and academic courses delivered by external organizations, further strengthening its role as a hub for global education.
鈥淗erstmonceux Castle is a remarkable setting for inquiry and discovery,鈥 Dr.鈥疎vans added. 鈥淲ith the restoration complete, we are excited to welcome new students, faculty, and collaborators from around the world to engage with Queen鈥檚 in this inspiring environment.鈥
Visitors to the estate are invited to view the completed restoration. An accompanying exhibition, opening later this year, will showcase the conservation journey鈥攆rom the initial feasibility studies to the specialist traditional techniques that have ensured the long-term integrity of this iconic site.
