Project:
Restoration of a Saxon church including Saxon ‘pilaster strips’ and ‘long and short quoins’,
17th and 18th Century panelling and roof
Architect: Donald Insall Associates
Project:
Restoration of a Saxon church including Saxon ‘pilaster strips’ and ‘long and short quoins’,
17th and 18th Century panelling and roof
Architect: Donald Insall Associates
Restoration began with the erection of scaffolding internally and externally since the plaster ceiling panels were applied directly beneath the slates. New lath and plaster panels were recreated and where possible the Cotswold slates were salvaged and carefully replaced. Replacement slates were sourced from the Goldhill Quarry near Cirencester.
Low-level wall stonework required careful removal of cement mortar and then repointing using ‘hot lime’ mixes, and selective repointing and brick renewal to the chancel exterior. Small areas of lime render were conserved where possible, and the south wall was helped to dry out from the extensive damp by digging out a shingle-filled trench, providing land drain level with the Saxon foundations.
The fragile seventeenth and eighteenth century panelling was heavily decayed due to the dampness of the walls, so much effort was devoted to conserving where viable. The nineteenth century pew platform structure was originally laid on bare earth, again causing damp and decay. Removal and repair of the pews also allowed a ground-penetrating radar survey to be undertaken, revealing that the Saxon and medieval chancels were originally longer, with the eastern end erased by nineteenth century family vaults.
We have been trusted for decades by institutions responsible for some of Britain’s most important
historic monuments, cathedrals and churches such as Stonehenge and medieval Winchester College.
Our breadth of experience, combined with traditional craftsmanship skills and
professionally qualified management enables the very finest work and highest standards in
lime plastering, stonework, leadwork, roof coverings and carpentry, joinery and rainwater goods.
We also have responsibility for the maintenance of English Heritage monuments in the South-West of England.