Set high in the North Pennines, Epiacum Roman Fort — or Whitley Castle — is one of the most striking and best-preserved Roman sites in…
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Crosby Granger Architects has been appointed to support the Holker Estate on a series of projects, including vital restoration work at Holker Hall – the residence of the Cavendish family for the past 400 years.
Water damage has impacted parts of the house open to the public, affecting silk wall linings, wallpaper, decorative ceilings, and timber panelling in the Drawing Room and the Duke’s Bedroom of this Grade II* listed building.
Crosby Granger Architects is overseeing these intricate repairs in collaboration with Holker Hall’s in-house estate team, which includes land agents and building surveyors, as well as Lilian Touhy Main, a newly appointed scholar from the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB). The initial focus is on addressing the source of the water damage, after which specialist repair and restoration experts Hirst Conservation, along with skilled craftsmen and women such as weavers, decorators, and wallpaper makers, will proceed with the next phase of restoration.
In addition to this work, Crosby Granger Architects is exploring options to enhance office space above the Courtyard Café, adjacent to the Visitor Services area. To achieve this, applications were submitted for change of use and Listed Building consent to create a new opening into one of the residential flats. This will enable the full first-floor U-shape of the Visitor Services building to become fully accessible internally.
These enhanced office facilities will free up other buildings on the estate for potential development, reducing the risk of these properties sitting unused and generating no revenue.
As part of our ongoing feasibility work for the Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership CIC, we’ve been exploring a range of potential approaches to improving accessibility through Hincaster Tunnel 🏗️
These early options focus on how level access might be achieved while respecting the tunnel’s historic fabric and unique character - current ideas under review include options such as a boardwalk and a `Roman road`.
These ideas form part of an early-stage assessment, intended to help understand what might be possible in the future. Further structural investigation will be essential to determine how any intervention could be delivered without compromising the historic tunnel.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue the exploratory work and supporting the long-term ambitions for the @towpath_trail 🌿
#Architecture #Lancaster #LancasterCanalTowpathTrail
Dec 1
We`ve been appointed by the Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership CIC to explore the next steps in improving accessibility along the Lancaster Canal @towpath_trail 🍃
Our role is to prepare a feasibility study focused on the future potential of Hincaster Tunnel - a 346m Grade II listed structure and one of the canal’s most significant heritage assets.
The study will consider:
👉 How level access might be achieved
👉 How the tunnel’s historic character can be better revealed
👉 How this remarkable structure could become a true `jewel in the crown` of the Towpath Trail
This work builds on ongoing investment along the 28-mile route, including earlier upgrades near Stainton supported by Sport England, and more recent funding through the Rural Shared Prosperity Fund to continue improvements toward Holme.
We look forward to helping shape the possibilities for this much-loved route, celebrating the heritage of the important historic site while exploring ways it could become more accessible for everyone 🙌
#Architecture #Lancaster #LancasterCanalTowpathTrail
Nov 28
Located within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Thwaite Farm is a working farm with a collection of traditional buildings steeped in rural character. We were commissioned to oversee the careful repair and conservation of the Grade II listed barn complex, ensuring its continued use and longevity within the landscape 🌿🚜
A detailed inspection and structural appraisal identified long-term issues including water ingress, timber decay, and structural deformation. The repair strategy focused on sensitive conservation, undoing unsympathetic past alterations and reinstating traditional craftsmanship throughout.
The barns were re-roofed using locally sourced Burlington Blue Strong slates, traditionally laid in random widths and diminishing courses to match the original vernacular form. Air-dried oak was used for replacing structural timbers, each jointed by hand to mirror historic techniques.
This project exemplifies a balanced approach to heritage and function - preserving the integrity of traditional rural architecture while supporting the ongoing life of a working farm 🌾
#HeritageConservation #Architecture #HeritageArchitecture #YorkshireDales
Nov 24
Set high in the North Pennines, Epiacum Roman Fort — or Whitley Castle — is one of the most striking and best-preserved Roman sites in…
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We are delighted to announce our Whole Estate Plan for the Higham Estate has been Endorsed by the Lake District National Park Authority at their…
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Yesterday, we were delighted to welcome Year 12 Product Design students to Crosby Granger Architects HQ for an inspiring insight into the world of architecture….
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