Herstmonceux Castle, near the south-east coast of England, has been forced to close to the public because of serious structural issues.

The castle is used as a college campus abroad, known as Bader College, by Canada's Queen's University.

The university said the building had been found to be "unsafe" and that the 150 students currently there would be returning to Ontario, Canada, to continue their studies in January. Until then, many of their studies will be conducted online.

A university spokesperson said: “Late last week, a structural engineer visited the campus and confirmed that the situation is more serious than previously understood.

“As a result, portions of the Castle were closed to ensure the health and safety of students and staff. Out of an abundance of caution, Queen’s University made the decision to cease operations in the castle with immediate effect. All academic programming is moving online until the end of the Fall term.

"The university is making arrangements for current Bader students to continue their studies in January at the Kingston, Canada campus. Queen’s Student Affairs and Bader College staff are working together to ensure a smooth transition for the students.”

Queen’s University also said it will temporarily suspend recruitment of students for the 2024-25 academic year.

Herstmonceux Castle has been forced to close to the public and teach students online who use the college campus that is based there. The Canadian Queen's University, which runs Bader College at the castle, said the building was "unsafe" and the 150 students would be returning to Ontario, Canada, to continue their studies in January. A structural engineer visited the site and confirmed the situation was “more serious than previously understood”, the castle added. Herstmonceux Castle Estate, East Sussex, UK.
A university spokesperson said: “Late last week, a structural engineer visited the campus and confirmed that the situation is more serious than previously understood.

“As a result, portions of the Castle were closed to ensure the health and safety of students and staff. Out of an abundance of caution, Queen’s University made the decision to cease operations in the castle with immediate effect. All academic programming is moving online until the end of the Fall term. The university is making arrangements for current Bader students to continue their studies in January at the Kingston, Canada campus. Queen’s Student Affairs and Bader College staff are working together to ensure a smooth transition for the students.”

Queen’s University also said it will temporarily suspend recruitment of students for the 2024-25 academic year.