Work is underway to restore and open up to the public parts of Great Yarmouth’s historic town wall.
Funded entirely by the Government, Great Yarmouth Borough Council work is taking place in partnership with Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust and Historic England to repair the nationally important medieval wall and create an improved and accessible trail along its 1.2-mile length.
Once complete, there will be new wayfinding and signage at key points as well as a clear and unobstructed route along the ancient monument. There are also plans to install new interpretation boards, benches, floor markers and detailed information online where people can learn more about the history of the wall, how it linked the town and the role it played in the history of Great Yarmouth.
Councillor James Bensly, Great Yarmouth Borough Council’s portfolio holder for Tourism, Culture and Coastal Management, said: ‘’The restoration and new trail will be a fantastic addition for people in Great Yarmouth and our visitors.
‘’Thanks to substantial grant funding and the hard work of experts, parts of the wall will be preserved and we want to create a new trail that showcases and celebrates one of our most important cultural heritage assets. With a new map, dedicated new seating and tidying up of shrubbery, the wall will be accessible to all and will provide an amazing glimpse into the history and culture of Great Yarmouth.’’
Important works taking place include the erection of scaffolding at Ferrier Road to support the wall – before the trail is officially launched this summer. A full survey has been completed by respected structural engineers the Morton Partnership which highlighted where sensitive restoration is required. CCTV is also due to be installed.
As well as the new information boards and signage, works along the wall will also include new floor markers and the refurbishment of existing plaques and the Jewish Graveyard sign.
Shrubs will be tidied and pruned and the pathway cleared at Blackfriars Road and Mariners Road, while The Kings Tower and Minster grounds will also be spruced up, with an ongoing maintenance plan put in place.
Finance for the £285,000 project has come from the Government’s Town Deal Fund and was approved by the Great Yarmouth Town Board with the aim of improving connectivity and accessibility for residents and visitors via an attractive, walkable route.
The medieval town wall starts at the North East Tower on North Quay and provides a linear walk – for which a new guide map will also be available – around the town centre, passing a range of historic buildings.
Councillor Bensly said: ‘’Great Yarmouth has the longest and one of the most intact town walls in the country. The restoration works and revamped trail will enable our residents to enjoy the fabulous history and cultural heritage of our borough and provide another reason for people to visit our town. I’d like to thank all of our partners for their support on the project – particularly Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust, whose expertise has been invaluable.’’
