October 10, 2012 11.30 am This story is over 137 months old

Newport Arch in Lincoln gets £60k heritage grant

Heritage protection: Newport Arch will get a £60,000 grant towards its maintenance from a fund which helps to save important heritage sites.

Newport Arch in Lincoln will benefit from a £60,000 grant towards its maintenance from a fund which helps to save important heritage sites.

The grant was awarded by not-for-profit company WREN, part of the £585,000 WREN Heritage Fund launched in 2010, which helps to protect Grade one and two star listed buildings and structures of historical importance across the UK.

WREN awards grants to community, conservation and heritage projects within a 10-mile radius of landfill sites, from funds donated by FCC Environment to the Landfill Communities Fund.

Newport Arch is the 3rd century northern gateway to the Roman city of Lindum Colonia and is the oldest Roman archway in the country, which spans a road still used by traffic.

WREN’s grant support will also create a model for the conservation of other Roman and medieval monuments in the care of the City of Lincoln Council.

The upper part of the Newport Arch is currently covered in netting to prevent masonry falling on pedestrians and vehicles. It is vulnerable to further damage that will affect its historic integrity and is aesthetic quality.

Newport Arch circa 1890

Arthur Ward, City of Lincoln Council’s Heritage Team Leader, said: “Lincoln is blessed with a rich collection of nationally important Roman monuments. The WREN grant will enable us to ensure the longevity of this amazing example of Lincoln’s rich heritage.

“The Arch is an important research and educational resource as well as contributing to Lincoln’s unique identity and cultural tourism offer,” he added.

Peter Cox, managing director of WREN, said: “We believe that it’s very important to maintain and protect historical sites such as the Newport Roman Arch. Monuments like this are part of the country’s rich history and we must ensure they remain intact for future generations.”