HLF grant aided roof repairs to Grade I church continue
— 17 Mar 2020
External scaffold to south aisle, porch and transept in progress
Internal working scaffold platforms to aisles to replace ceilings. Credit: Jamie Brown Roofing.
We blogged last summer about the successful completion of the vestry reroofing at Grade I listed St Margaret’s Church, Northam thanks to a huge fundraising effort by the Parochial Church (PPC) as well as a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The main re-roofing works were due to start last year but were delayed by ongoing supply issues of Delabole natural slate and it was necessary to procure from an alternative quarry.
As a grade I listed historic property the use of relatively locally sourced materials is important to retain local vernacular qualities and minimise the risk of change in character an alternative imported material may have.
Delabole slate mined out of one quarry in Cornwall has been used for roofing slate across the UK for centuries. Unfortunately, demand has overcome supply and the quarry was unable to deliver on the order within the timescale required. As the condition of the existing roofs is very poor and there is risk to fabric and finishes, an alternative quarry in Wales who mine a similar geological seam has been used.
Contractors Jamie Brown Roofing & Leadwork are currently coordinating the scaffolding needed for the roof works and faced the challenge of both storm Ciara and Dennis.
During the repair works there will be several heritage engagement activities taking place, including tours of works, sponsor a slate scheme and time lapse photography to create a visual record of the re-roofing process.
If you are interested in sponsoring a slate or need help with a similar project, please get in touch.
