City of Lincoln Council is taking action to safeguard one of the nation’s most important Roman monuments as essential conservation work begins at Newport Arch.
Routine monitoring has revealed that winter weather has taken a toll on the ancient structure. A combination of persistent rain and winter frost has damaged sections of the facing stonework, meaning material could loosen and fall onto the surface below.
Protective netting will be installed over the historic gateway next week to ensure the safety of pedestrians and vehicles while investigations and repairs are carried out.
Newport Arch is one of Britain’s most significant Roman monuments and formed the northern gateway of the Roman Upper City, carrying the major Roman road Ermine Street through Lincoln.
The earliest gateway on this site was a timber structure built by the IX Legion in the mid-60s AD, later replaced with a stone arch when the colonia was founded in the late 1st century.
The present arch dates mostly from a major reconstruction in the early 3rd century and remains one of the best-preserved Roman gateways in the country. Its long history of adaptation through medieval and later periods reflects its continued importance in Lincoln’s historic landscape.
The council’s steps are being taken to ensure public safety while developing a longer-term preservation strategy. The netting will cover the monument until long-term repairs can be implemented.
Additionally, the council has commissioned a professional stonemason to repoint several trial areas on the arch and its adjacent walls.
These test sections will be observed over the next couple of winters to determine the most effective conservation approach and help identify the best techniques to protect the monument for the future.
Throughout this period, public safety remains the top priority. The netting will act as a protective barrier, catching any material that may become dislodged while the structure is assessed.
The installation of the protective netting is scheduled to take place at the same time as the county council’s resurfacing works on Bailgate, meaning no additional road closures are expected beyond those already in place.
Cllr Josh Wells, Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economic Growth at City of Lincoln Council, said:
“Newport Arch is a treasured Lincoln landmark. Being more than 2000 years old, it remains one of the best-preserved and most recognisable Roman gateways in the country.
“Lincoln’s heritage defines us, and we have a responsibility to protect it for generations to come.
“The measures we are taking will help keep the public safe while we establish the best course of action for long-term preservation.
“We are grateful to our colleagues at the County Council for their cooperation in minimising disruption to residents, businesses, and visitors.”
The council will continue to monitor the structure closely and work with heritage specialists to ensure Newport Arch remains safe and preserved for future generations. Further updates will be provided as the conservation works progress.