THE use of a specialist 100 tonne crane has marked the next phase of the project to save Castle Drogo.

Ever since Castle Drogo was built 100 years ago, it has let in the Dartmoor rain.

With water pouring in from the roof, walls and windows, by 2012 the situation was critical, and this spectacular granite building could have been lost.

Following a massive appeal, work has begun in earnest on repairing the castle. 

October 1 saw a specialist 100 tonne crane arrive at the property to lift a series of granite lintels, each weighing little over a ton, as well as a large oak beam back on to the roof structure.

Tim Cambourne, Castle Drogo project manager said: 'The lintels were removed about a year ago and due to their massive size, cannot be lifted by the existing gantry crane which is part of the scaffold, so we  needed a specialist piece of equipment to help us.

'The clever thing about the temporary roof system is that we can "unzip" the roof sheets to provide access directly above the position to which the lintels are being returned.

'It means we can open the roof for the minimum time required and not risk water ingress to the building. 

'It's every child's dream to get to watch a piece of equipment such as this crane in action, I'm sure I made something quite similar with Meccano a few years back, but no-one could fail to be amazed at the skill and precision of the crane operator and stonemasons placing such large stones back so accurately.'

The return of the lintels is a key point in the reconstruction of the masonry to the south wing of the castle.

Visitors have been flocking to the property to see the castle literally being turned inside out at times.

Mr Cambourne said: 'Work on site is progressing well and we are on target to complete the reconstruction of the whole of the south wing at the end of the year as planned.

'Then we will be concentrating on the central tower which should be finished at the end of June, before moving on to the north wing.'

Find out more about the work in progress at Castle Drogo and events this spring and summer at http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castle-drogo">http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castle-drogo