WIREDGOV

English Heritage has launched an appeal to save some of the nation's historic cannons. The call comes as the charity reveal a newly conserved Edwardian gun as part of a new project at Pendennis Castle.

England's historic cannons at coastal locations around the country are at risk of damage from sea spray and salty air.

English Heritage recently launched a campaign to tackle urgent repairs to four historic guns. These guns  — one each at Pendennis Castle and Dover Castle and two at Etal Castle  — have been identified as those most in need of care.

Conservation work is already underway at Pendennis Castle where, as part of a £1 million project, some of the guns in the collection have been conserved and redisplayed. A highlight is the chance to see and hear a rare 12-pounder quick-firing gun in action with a crew in uniform of the Edwardian period. Now English Heritage needs your help to continue this work.

Senior Collections Conservator Bethan Stanley says the care of the cannons is a complex process.

'Our cannons are precious objects, vital alongside our castles and fortifications in telling the story of England as an island nation. To many, they are an integral part of the landscape, but unless we act now, they could ultimately be lost to the elements.

'Coastal guns are regularly battered by strong winds blowing corrosive moisture and salt spray over them which means that, untreated, they can corrode 20 times faster than those just a mile or so inland.'

What Can I do?

English Heritage has completed intensive conservation to the cannons and carriages on the Garrison Walls at St Mary's on the Isles of Scilly. Work is also scheduled for the 16th-century cannon at Pevensey Castle in Sussex.

With the public's support, English Heritage conservators will be able to carry out more of this much needed conservation, starting with those cannons in urgent need of attention.

Support our cannons and make a donation.

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