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From the Dorset Echo, 20th August 2007

Bridge may be replaced at gardens

A timber footbridge could be replaced at Weymouth's Sandsfoot Castle Gardens. Members of Wednesday's Weymouth and Portland Borough Council planning and traffic committee will be told that the new footbridge would provide 'a significant improvement' in access across Sandsfoot Gardens by linking the ornamental gardens to the Grade II-listed Sandsfoot Castle.

A report on the scheme says: 'The existing main footpath through the ornamental gardens currently leads to a sudden drop where the previous old footbridge once existed. Although the four original stone pillars remain, the bridge itself has been removed due to it rotting. The new bridge will span the lower-level footpath which winds down from the gardens and around the earth mound fortification.'

The report adds that the uprights and handrail of the replacement bridge will be built of oak to complement the natural landscape and reduce required maintenance. The infill to the handrails will be stainless steel wires and the bridge footway will be formed of softwood profiled deck panels. Councillors will be told that the main issue is the effect of the replacement bridge on the character and setting of Sandsfoot Castle.

The report says: 'The bridge has been designed to blend into the surroundings rather than detract from the castle.' It says early indications show English Heritage is happy with the bridge design and materials. The report concludes: 'At present there is only one practicable route to the lower site of the castle along a lower level winding footpath. This new footbridge will provide a missing link to effectively complete a figure-of-eight link around the site.'

The meeting will be asked to grant permission for the new bridge subject to three conditions. These include starting work on the bridge within three years of permission being granted and archaeological observation and recording being made during groundworks. They must also ensure they are sympathetic to their location on the outer earthwork of the scheduled ancient monument and listed building.

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From the BBC website, 21st December 2009

Restoration hope for castle ruin

A Dorset castle which has been gradually crumbling into the sea for five centuries may finally be restored thanks to a lottery grant. The Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded £23,100 to carry out a specialist survey of Sandsfoot Castle in Weymouth.

The money has been awarded to the Friends of the Rodwell Trail and Weymouth and Portland Council who want to reopen the ruined building. The survey will help support a further bid for restoration funding. The Ancient Scheduled Monument was built in the 1530s as a coastal defence for King Henry VIII but land slips and erosion have meant considerable chunks of it have fallen into Portland Harbour.

Premature destruction

The ruin is now fenced off to protect the public from falling masonry but the proposed project would stabilise, preserve and monitor the structure of the castle and make it safe for public access.

David Carter, Sandsfoot Castle project manager, said: "This is fantastic news. Our ultimate aim is to see Sandsfoot Castle saved from premature destruction. To our knowledge, there isn't another example of this style of Tudor fortification in the country so it's imperative that efforts are made to stabilise the structure that remains. We still have a way to go to achieve full funding but, for the time being, we'll revel in the success of the development grant and, with good support from our Heritage Lottery Fund Grants Officer, we will hopefully be able to enjoy the castle for generations to come."