Demolished historic archway restored in Melton town centre

The newly-restored Jerusalem Arch (right) in Wilton Road and the aftermath of the collision which demolished it back in June 2021

The Jerusalem Arch has stood at various locations since the 15th century and it is currently part of the fencing around Memorial Gardens on Wilton Road, near the junction with Leicester Street.

A motorist was arrested for drink-driving back in June 2021 when his vehicle left the road and ploughed into the grade two listed arch.

It was first built in 1480 and is the only surviving feature from the manor house for the Knights Hospitallers of St John of Jerusalem, which used to be part of the castle at the rear of Nottingham Street and King Street.

The demolished Jerusalem Arch following the collision with the car in June 2021

The structure was moved to the former War Memorial Hospital site on Ankle Hill before being dismantled and moved to Wilton Road in 1962.

Because of its rich history, Melton Mowbray Town Estate was keen to restore it following the accident and employed Midland Conservation Limited, of Walsall, to carry out the work at a cost of £30,000.

Graham Bett, chair of the feoffees at the town estate, told the Melton Times: “It was quite a complex job and a lot of care was needed as it’s grade two listed.

"Much of the stone had been damaged and some had to be re-carved and some replaced.

"It took some time for suitable replacements to be sourced, and then carved. The iron work also had to be repaired.

“I think it looks splendid and I am proud that the town estate has been able to restore the arch, despite the fact that many stones were very badly damaged."