Tudor castle gets £3m to fix leaking roof

A Tudor castle is to receive £3m of government funding for repairs after its roof began "leaking in numerous places".

English Heritage says it is trying to raise more than £5.5m for repairs at Walmer Castle in Kent as "centuries of modifications have taken their toll".

The charity says the government cash will form the cornerstone of its project, which will see the roof replaced.

Henry VIII had the castle built in 1539 as part of a coastal defence scheme, according to English Heritage.

The property is the official residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, a now-ceremonial role previously held by Sir Winston Churchill and the Duke of Wellington.

Walmer Castle closed temporarily in December 2023 for assessments after rain throughout the year caused several leaks, according to English Heritage.

Keeping the rain out of Walmer Castle was "a major challenge, and has been for decades", said Neil McCollum, from the charity.

"We have reached the stage where a major roof repair project is the only option to prevent irretrievable damage."

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