Urgent repairs needed to save popular Isle of Wight landmark

The Isle of Wight Council’s planning enforcement team, working with the conservation special projects officer, has stepped in to ensure the Grade I Listed Norris Castle near East Cowes is protected from further deterioration.

An ‘Urgent Works Notice’ with a range of actions to protect historic property has been served to the owners, which they must complete within 28 days.

Failure to do so will result in the council carrying out the work itself backed by financial support from Historic England, and recovering its costs. 

Norris Castle near East Cowes (Image: IWCP)

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The action, carried out today (Wednesday, October 2), follows the latest condition report on the castle and farm buildings, which found widespread water leaks resulting in extensive decay to internal ceilings and plaster, the council said.

Outbreaks of dry rot to roof and floor timbers and internal joinery were also noted in the report. 

Cllr Paul Fuller, Cabinet member for planning, said: "The urgency of the situation means the council needs to act quickly to preserve these nationally important buildings.

"The castle has been sadly neglected for a number of years despite us trying to work with the owners to protect it. 

“We continue to be concerned about the condition of the buildings, so have now issued an Urgent Works Notice."

• Read more: Norris Castle owners given urgent repairs ultimatum

Norris Castle near East Cowes (Image: IWCP) It is not the first time the council has taken action to safeguard the listed buildings, with officers previously serving an Urgent Works Notice in June 2023.

Despite the works being carried out, the council says there has since been a rapid failure in the repairs.

Sitting in an idyllic landscaped park overlooking the Solent, the Gothic Revival-style Norris Castle is not strictly a castle at all — but a rather grand country house with castellated walls that give the impression of a huge fort.

The property was designed by James Wyatt and built in 1799 as a marine villa for Lord Henry Seymour.

During the 19th century, it hosted numerous royal visits, from George V, who visited in 1819, to Queen Victoria, who regularly stayed there with her mother in the 1830s while still a young princess.