£350k repair work begins on medieval Norwich towers

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 13:08 · Archive

Norwich City Council has started a £350,000 project to repair two medieval towers that had become unsafe.

Norwich City Council has begun specialist repairs on two historic medieval towers to prevent them becoming a danger to the public. St Bartholomew's Tower, a 15th-century Grade II-listed building, and St Benedict's Tower, an 11th-century Grade I-listed flint round tower, are located off Heigham Street and St Benedicts Street. Both are the remains of medieval churches that were bombed during a Second World War raid on the city in 1942.

Investigations had identified 'several areas of concern' affecting the long-term stability, safety and conservation of the towers. Council officers warned of a risk from 'unstable masonry and falling materials'. They stated that inaction was 'not an option' and would lead to 'continued and accelerated deterioration of the historic fabric, increased risks to public safety, and significantly higher repair costs in the future'.

The Green-controlled city council's cabinet agreed in the summer to allocate funds for the repairs and appointed specialist conservation contractor Messenger to carry out the work. Josh Worley-Smith, cabinet member for business and social justice, said the investment would safeguard the structures and preserve them for future generations as valued landmarks within the community.

How it is being reported

• £350k work starts on medieval towers after fears they could become danger to publicWork has started to protect two historic Norwich medieval towers and to stop them becoming a danger to the public.Norwich Evening News · 13 Oct, 12:00
• £350k work starts on medieval towers after fears they could become danger to publicWork has started to protect two historic Norwich medieval towers and to stop them becoming a danger to the public.Eastern Daily Press · 13 Oct, 12:00

In this story: Norwich City Council · St Bartholomew's Tower · St Benedict's Tower · Norwich · Historic England · Messenger · Josh Worley-Smith

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