Former Boundary Wall Of Highcliffe Castle Along Lymington Road (From Opposite Nea Road To Former Lodges - With Gap At Entrance To Rothesay Drive)

The former boundary wall of Highcliffe Castle, located along Lymington Road from opposite Nea Road to the former lodges, features a gap at the entrance to Rothesay Drive. This wall dates from around 1830 and was repaired in the 20th century. It is constructed from Hitch's patent brick in rat-trap and stretcher bond, topped with a triangular brick coping and supported by buttresses. The wall stands approximately 1.5 meters tall and is currently divided into four sections. It was likely built during the remodelling of Highcliffe Castle by Donthorne between 1830 and 1834. In 1828, Caleb Hitch, a brickmaker from Ware in Hertfordshire, received a patent for large interlocking bricks with cavities, which were laid on edge and claimed to be more economical than standard bricks. However, due to the complexity of the brick design needed for corners, many different patterns had to be created, leading to limited adoption and making Hitch bricks quite rare outside of Ware.