Conserving an ancient building requires specialist skill sets designed to replicate the materials and techniques originally used and which have withstood the test of time. Now the public will get the chance to see this conservation in action at English Heritage’s Baconsthorpe Castle as Cliveden Conservation carry out repair work to stabilise the 15th century manor house so it can be re-opened to the public.
- Specialist tours and hands on activities from Cliveden Conservation and English Heritage on offer on Thursday, August 1 & Thursday August 22.
- The event will run from 10.30am to 3pm with site tours at 11am and 2pm; no need to book.
During two special Open Days in August, visitors to the free site, in Norfolk, will be able to join tours conducted by English Heritage, along with Cliveden Conservation and Ruth Brennan Architecture, who are overseeing the major project. Visitors will see first-hand the techniques and skills currently being used for the structural and masonry repairs as conservators rebuild the flint walls using lime mortar and traditional masonry. They can also try them out for themselves with hands-on activities such as letter cutting in stone and stone carving.
Meanwhile, English Heritage’s Conservation in Action van will be on the site on August 1 to provide information and have a go activities on a range of conservation topics.
The work at Baconsthorpe, due to be completed later in the year, involves significant repairs to the inner and outer gatehouse and the North East Tower, as well as to the moat bridge. This is designed to stabilise the loose masonry which had been affected by extreme weather conditions in recent years, forcing English Heritage to temporarily close the site. Skilled conservators from Cliveden Conservation’s Houghton Workshop in Norfolk are using ‘like for like’ materials, mostly sourced locally to carry out lime mortar repairs and lime capping on top of the ruins.
Katie Chown, English Heritage’s Free Sites Partnership Manager, says: “We’re delighted to give the local community a chance to get this special insight into the complexities of conserving a flint ruin in an authentic way which means we can pass it onto the next generation to visit and enjoy. For members, it’s a great chance to thank them for their continuing loyalty to English Heritage and show them exactly why it is so important.”
Mirella McGee, Cliveden Conservation’s Houghton Workshop Manager, says: “Sensitive conservation will be crucial throughout the project to repair and secure the future of Baconsthorpe Castle. The Open Days are a fantastic opportunity for our Houghton Workshop to demonstrate its craftsmanship and knowledge to the broader community while showing our positive impact on Norfolk’s heritage. We look forward to engaging with visitors, getting them involved with our craft through hands-on activities, and raising awareness about the skills needed to secure the future conservation of ruins like Baconsthorpe Castle and other historic buildings.”
Baconsthorpe Castle is testament to the rise and fall of a prominent Norfolk family, the Heydons, who funded their lavish lifestyle from converting the property into a profitable wool producing estate. Over 200 years, successive generations of this ambitious family built, then enlarged, and finally abandoned the castle as they fell into debt. With its picturesque setting and significant history of a powerful Norfolk family, it’s a popular local attraction.
Event: Baconsthorpe Conservation in Action Day
Date: 1st & 22 August 2024
Time: Site tours at 11am and 2pm
Tickets: Free to enter
Location: Baconsthorpe, Castle Lane, Baconsthorpe, Holt NR25 6LL