DURHAM CASTLE IN PERIL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19061, 4 July 1925, Page 14

DURHAM CASTLE IN PERIL.

SLIPPING INTO THE RIVES. APPEAL FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS. The Earl of Durham, Lord Lieutenant of tho County of Durham, has issued an appeal for contributions on behalf of Durham Castle, the condition of which is causing grave anxiety. The western side of the castle is in immediate danger. Forsome years cracks have been observed which have increased in size and number, without any signs of stoppage. Following investigations by Sir Francis Fox, it was made clear that the weight of tho fabric was pushing the external walls down the steep bank of the river on the edge of which the castle is built, as well as splitting some internal walls. It was evident that the position was dangerous, for though the movement was slight, it seemed continuous and might be accelerated any moment, in which case nothing could ward off the collapse - into the river below, as the solid foundations are only reached after passing through broken freestone, resting upon which the castle is built, and a layer of shaly substance beneath it.

The Council of the Durham Colleges considered itself not only the custodian of the'college, but of the national monument, and they undertook extensive and immediate repairs. The council is not a wealthy corporation, and is quite unable to meet the charge of £30,000, and at'the same time carry on the university education on modern lines.