Summary = Replacement of sand cast lead roof, including structural roof timber repairs, masonry works, internal plastering and redecoration to the Victorian Song School, Chelmsford Cathedral

Value = approximately £200,000

Location = Chelmsford Cathedral

Challenge = Works carried out to a very high standard of craftsmanship despite the inherent difficulties of working at a busy Cathedral with regular events requiring noise restrictions. Complex detailing of the new roof structure constructed over the existing roof trusses.

Solution = The church department have spent the summer of 2017 removing the existing lead and boarding to the Victorian Song School roof structure which over the years had been sagging due to its poor construction methods.

As it is part of a Grade I Listed building, the remit for the scheduled works was to construct a new steel roof frame over the existing timber structure below, which then had to be connected to hold the existing timbers in their current position. Once we had secured this in place it then received a complete new timber structure over the top, which was topped off with new lead. Internally new lath and plaster adorns the ceiling.

This project involved Intensive site management and close liaison with Cathedral staff and project team.

Looking at the job now, before and after doesn’t look like we have done anything, which is always a good sign with a restoration project!