Tag Archives: Cathedral restoration

Chelmsford Cathedral

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!

St Albans Cathedral

Location = The Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban (North Ambulatory, Transfiguration Chapel & South Cloister)

Value = £207,000

Awards = RIBA National Award 2017 and RIBA East 2017 award for Conservation

Summary = External stone conservation, replacement & repairs, repairs to leaded glazing and replacement sand cast lead roofing.

Challenge = Works were 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 and nearby heavy pedestrian traffic within a town centre.

Solution = Intensive site management and close liaison with Cathedral staff & Local Authorities to ensure the works are undertaken safely and minimise inconvenience to the Client’s daily events within the Cathedral.

Having worked on St Albans Cathedral over 17 years, Bakers of Danbury have a long-running and on-going relationship with the Cathedral which we are very proud to be a part of and consider it a privilege to maintain this incredible building for future generations to utilise and appreciate.

This project was recently awarded a RIBA National Award 2017, RIBA East 2017 award and a RIBA East 2017 award for Conservation.