Current Issue
Master Craftsmen
Championing our heritage with modern craftsmanship
Twenty years ago, English Heritage (now Historic England) published its first-ever Register of Buildings at Risk across England, which featured nearly 2,000 buildings and monuments that were ‘neglected, broken and unloved’. Recently Historic England was delighted to announce that over two-thirds of those buildings were now safe, in both urban and rural areas right across the country.
Traditional Lime
Lime: it’s better for buildings – and for the environment
It is now fairly well known that cement is not good for old buildings and that lime mortar should be used. But why? What are the advantages and what are the disadvantages? In order to begin to answer those questions it is necessary to understand the nature of traditional building, the process by which buildings used to be built, and how it differs from modern construction, the process by which we build today.
CRE Events
CRE South West postponed to next year, but Sandown Park gallops on
With the ban on large public gatherings likely to be in place for the foreseeable future, CRE has announced that the much-anticipated CRE South West in Exeter has had to be postponed until 23-24 February next year.
Audio Visual
Audio visual equipment in church buildings
This guidance is issued by the Church Buildings Council under section 55(1)(d) of the Dioceses, Mission and Pastoral Measure 2007. As it is statutory guidance, it must be considered with great care. The standards of good practice set out in the guidance should not be departed from unless the departure is justified by reasons that are spelled out clearly, logically and convincingly.
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Stained Glass
A brief history of stained glass
The origins of the first stained glass windows are lost in history. The technique probably came from jewelry making, cloisonné and mosaics. Stained glass windows as we know them, seemed to arise when substantial church building began.
By the 10th century, depictions of Christ and biblical scenes were found in French and German churches and decorative designs found in England.
Back Issues
War Memorials
War Memorials Trust works to protect and conserve war memorials in the UK. The charity provides free advice to anyone as well as running grant schemes to support repair and conservation projects. You can find a range of resources on the website http://www.warmemorials.org/ to help you engage with our unique war memorial heritage. The Trust is a charity so if you support our work please consider making a donation.
Painting and Decorating
Redecorating listed buildings and places of worship
If you are thinking of redecorating the interior of your listed building or place of worship seek the advice of your architect or surveyor as implications of redecoration can be far reaching. There may well be technical aspects that need to be addressed before decoration can be carried out successfully. Redecoration can also have a major impact on the appearance of your building, including the way it looks and feels for worship.
Scottish Heritage
£240,000 boost for communities as Scottish heritage projects awarded funding
Funding to provide training opportunities and the restoration of historic structures will benefit local communities and economies throughout Scotland.
Lightning Protection
When lightning strikes are you protected against this act of God?
The issue of lightning protection in churches is one that has exercised this publication for many years. In this four-part series of spotlights on the issue we will be revisiting various aspects of the subject, beginning with an overview of current thinking.
Think Brick
Proven reliability over the centuries - and annual awards are back
Brick is one of our oldest building materials and its use dates back to the beginning of civilisation.
The Brick Development Association represents the United Kingdom and Ireland’s clay brick and paver industries and promotes the contribution that brick makes to the places and spaces we live and work in today. Their role is to ensure clay brick and pavers are recognised as the material of choice by architects, engineers, planners, specifiers, developers, landscapers, builders and property owners.
Heritage Roofing
Heritage roofing - maintaining our iconic buildings
The UK is home to some of the most iconic buildings in the world, from stunning churches and cathedrals to historic stately homes. Each and every one of these remarkable feats of architecture requires regular maintenance to ensure they remain in the very best condition, allowing them to be enjoyed for generations.
Church Lighting
Light up your place of worship
The design of a lighting scheme and the light fittings themselves can have a positive impact on the way your building looks as well as being functional.
Live Streaming
Why live stream is now mainstream
The restrictions around the COVID-19 pandemic have led to many churches venturing into the online world in a much more comprehensive way than before. While most churches have had some kind of online presence and the Church of England has it’s a Church Near You site, the live streaming of services has become much more common. And modern AV equipment is perfectly suited to communicating via the internet.
Promotional Videos
Watch the latest videos from the church & heritage sector here
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Think about it; it’s probably there. Asbestos: hidden killer
by PETER AUSTIN, manager of ACAD, the Asbestos Control and Abatement Division of the Thermal Insulation Contractors’ Association (TICA)As I travel around the UK I often look and marvel at our churches and cathedrals. I am impressed by their beauty and design and I am in awe of the skills of the craftsman who built those magnificent buildings. I also often wonder at the spiritual meaning of the buildings and if other people who have lived, worked and worshipped in them were moved as I am by their reassuringly constant presence in our communities.
Click HERE to view a selection of asbestos specialists in our online directory
National Heritage Roofing Contractors Register identifies quality
NFRC officially launched the development of a National heritage roofing contractor’s register in January 2008 and it is constantly updated. The register aims to identify reliable and suitably qualified heritage roofing specialists who have a good track record in carrying out roofing work to historic buildings.Click HERE to find a selection of specialist heritage NFRC Members
Palace project contracts awarded
York company plays key role in scottish palace recreationHistoric Scotland is delighted to announce the award of a series of specialist contracts for its ongoing Stirling Castle Palace Project.
The contracts are part of a £12 million scheme, which will see the royal palace of James V returned to how it may have looked in its mid-16th century heyday. Among the successful bidders is Chris Topp & Co, of North Yorkshire, which will create metalwork for the palace, including fire irons of the type that would have been essential in helping keep the palace warm for the royal family and courtiers.
To find out more about Chris Topp click HERE and view their entry in our online directory
The British Quarry that Stands the Test of Time
Ladycross Quarry, situated in the middle of Slaley Forest, is one of the few remaining quarries in England where the stone is won by hand. The layers are separated by very level bedding planes. This means that the stone can be worked by hammer and wedge as it is used throughout the ages, and no explosives are used.Electronic Enhancement for Traditional Worship
Bob Dunbar of Random Sounds has a history of over twenty- four years of developing specialist installations in places of religious worship embracing a wide range of amplification techniques.The varied styles of worship in the modern world demand a wide range of systems.
Police Leadership College gets Ellis & Co treatment
In August 2008, Ellis & Co. of Shepton Mallet, Somerset commenced masonry & roofing works to Bramshill Mansion, a Grade I listed building and Grade II* listed landscape, which is currently The National College of Police Leadership. Works continue with Ellis supplying a team of Masons/Conservators working both on site and in their banker shop to conserve and where necessary replace masonry and brickwork and Carpenters, Tilers and Leadworkers working on the building’s roofs.
Finding a craftsman
Finding a reliable and honest tradesman these days can be a minefield. It’s difficult enough just avoiding the cowboys for jobs around the house let alone for specialist jobs for heritage and ecclesiastical work where high levels of skill and competence are needed. The Guild of Master Craftsmen only accepts members who can prove their skill and integrity which is why they are always in demand.Click HERE to see Guild members’ profiles
Listed Property Show sees 35% increase in visitor numbers
The fourth Listed Property Show has been hailed as the most successful ever by the exhibitors and visitors. The 2010 show closed its doors on 21 February, at the end of the two-day event, with an increase in attendance of over 35% – to 5,743. The number of exhibitors rose by 20%.
Click HERE to view selected exhibitor profiles
So far so good! Two years of traditional metal roofing federation
IAN HARVEY, the new chairman of the Federation of Traditional Metal Roofing Contractors, reflects on the first two years of the federation and its efforts to introduce and police quality standards in traditional metal roofing.
In stepping into David White’s shoes as chairman of the FTMRC, I can’t help but reflect on his parting statement: “So far, so good; but we have a long way to go.” That is certainly very true, but at least under David’s leadership we have laid firm foundations and I look upon it as now being my job to build upon those foundations as we continue to progress within the roofing sector of UK construction.
Click HERE to see the federation members’ profiles
Lewes Priory to be brought to life thanks to Heritage Lottery Fund grant
One of the most important historical buildings in South East England, Grade I listed Lewes Priory, is to be transformed into a top visitor attraction thanks to a confirmed* Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant of £545,500.
Hogwarts Express
Across the iconic Glenfinnan viaduct, in an area of outstanding natural beauty sits Glenfinnan Station Museum which today was awarded a grant of £195,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Featured in ‘Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets' and 'Harry Potter and the prisoner of Azkaban' films, it is one of the best-preserved working stations on the West Highland Line. The Heritage Lottery investment will give people the chance to step back in time and experience the atmosphere of a late-Victorian station while learning about the history of the ‘iron road to the Isles’ in the Highlands.
Regimental museum's towering achievement
A museum charting the history of a regiment linked to the Tower of London for more than 400 years will receive a complete makeover, thanks to confirmation of a £300,000 grant* from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) it was announced today.
Tidings of HLF good cheer for 11 parks
The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has today announced a £1.39m grant¹ for the restoration of Victoria Gardens in Neath, Wales, plus first-round passes² for 10 other historic parks in London, Chester, St Helens, Clydebank, Aberdeenshire, Merthyr Tydfil, Swansea, Belfast and Wolverhampton.
Dame Jenny Abramsky, Chair of the HLF, said:
£9.3m New Year 'hat trick' for historic parks
Three parks in London, Walsall and Devizes are celebrating the beginning of the New Year following confirmed grants totalling £9.3m* from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the Big Lottery Fund (BIG). This money from the two Lottery distributors will give a vital boost to plans for these popular local parks.
Carole Souter, Chief Executive of HLF, said on behalf of HLF and BIG:
Sleeping giant comes to life
HLF awards £3m to Northern Ireland’s treasured coastal landscape
The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has announced today a £3m grant¹ for the spectacular Giant’s Causeway World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland and £3.7m for Liverpool’s pioneering Florence Institute for Boys. In addition, it has given initial support² for projects at Kettle’s Yard in Cambridge, the Transporter Bridge in Middlesbrough, Roman Maryport in West Cumbria and the University Church of St Mary the Virgin in Oxford.
Dame Jenny Abramsky, Chair of the Heritage Lottery Fund, said:
Historic York Catholic Church becomes first UK user of new DRU Kamara heaters
St George’s is an historic 19th century Catholic Church in the ancient city of York. Designed by Charles and Joseph Hansom (of Hansom cab fame), the church was built in 1850 to serve the needs of the large number of Irish immigrants arriving in England at that time to find work in the farms and on railway construction.
St George’s is still a thriving church with a large and cosmopolitan congregation. In common with many other similar period churches, it has had a problem finding effective heating during the long winter months.
Taking Flight with EPL Skylift at the Royal Liver Building
Lavendon Access Services’ Vehicle Mount Division, EPL Skylift, has recently supplied Chester-based company Wasp Ltd, with its largest truck mounted boom, a 72 metre model, for a job at the Royal Liver Building on the banks of the River Mersey in Liverpool.
