Set within the Western Lake District National Park, Muncaster Castle is the seat of the Pennington family, and has been since 1208 when their residence was confirmed at the castle through a Royal Charter from King John. It is a Grade I listed castle, and the gardens are listed Grade II*. The present castle is the result of development and re-imagining by various Lord Muncasters, most notably in the 18th and 19th century, firstly through the Gothic romantic phase, then Victorian rustication.
Crosby Granger Architects is engaged as the Castle and Estate architects, researching, investigating, surveying, specifying and over-seeing works. Continual condition surveys of the different elements of the Castle itself, as well as over 100 Estate buildings allows us to assess the fabric, diagnose issues and specify urgent repairs for the in-house conservation maintenance team. The wider landscape is also considered and reviewed, including access and visitor flow.
The solid granite masonry construction of the castle and most of the estate buildings causes many issues, mainly due to the rigidity and lack of porosity of the stone. Historically the castle was rendered, but has since been stripped, allowing the vulnerable mortar joints to be exposed. As granite is not porous, it is essential that a ‘fat lime’ mortar is used at it is having to work doubly as hard to absorb and facilitate the migration of the water out to the surface. This is but one of the issues faced on the castle, which we are steadily managing through the use of hot-lime mortars.
As well as the on-going survey and essential repair works, there are also specific projects being discussed which will enhance the visitor experience at Muncaster. One of the most recent feasibility studies carried out is the potential repair of the North Service Yard and disused North Tower and its conversion and development. two options were considered; self catering apartments, or a textile conservation workshop and museum space. In conjunction with the client, we have prepared submissions for various different Grants and funding bodies for the later option of workshop and museum.
Crosby Granger Architects is honored to have led the award-winning restoration of Eshton Hall, a Grade II* listed country house in North Yorkshire. Our work addressed previous substandard repairs, focusing on roof and guttering systems to prevent water ingress and structural damage. This project exemplifies our commitment to preserving historic estates through sensitive, sustainable interventions.
We were appointed to carry out the historical research, assessment, and strategic management review, and develop and publish a Conservation Management Plan for Furness Abbey and Piel Castle, both in the Guardianship of English Heritage.
Appointed to work on the renowned St Oswald's Church in Grasmere, set within the idyllic village in the Lake District, Crosby Granger Architects is undertaking sensitive conservation efforts. Our focus includes preserving the church's historic features and ensuring its structural integrity, allowing this iconic place of worship to continue serving the community and visitors alike.
Restoration at No.1 Long Houses prioritizes the retention of historic integrity while addressing necessary repairs. Traditional materials and skilled craftsmanship ensure interventions align with the building’s original construction methods. By maintaining the building’s historic character while ensuring its continued functionality, we reinforce the importance of thoughtful, conservation-led repair work.
Crosby Granger Architects have restored Low House Farm, a Grade II listed property comprising a house, bank barn, and long-house with outbuildings, located southwest of Littletown in the Newlands Valley, Cumbria. Our work focuses on preserving the historic fabric of these structures, employing traditional materials and techniques to ensure their longevity and continued agricultural use.
Crosby Granger Architects was engaged in the conservation and restoration of Morland Hall, a historic estate nestled in the Eden Valley. Our approach involves meticulous preservation of original architectural elements, such as stone masonry and timber structures, while integrating modern amenities discreetly. This ensures the hall's historical integrity is maintained, providing a harmonious blend of heritage and contemporary comfort.
We have been appointed architects for Muncaster Castle, and conducted a series of ongoing conservation work to protect this Grade I listed historic site. Our research, condition surveys, and restoration efforts ensure the longevity of this architectural treasure. This project highlights our expertise in heritage stewardship, maintaining the castle’s legacy while enhancing its visitor experience.
Crosby Granger Architects led the restoration of Thornthwaite Hall, a historic residence in the Lake District National Park. Our work includes addressing structural issues, conserving original features, re-rendering and updating its modest facilities to meet contemporary standards. By carefully balancing preservation with modernization, we ensure the hall's historical character is retained while enhancing its functionality for future use.
Exciting news to share! We are honoured to have been shortlisted as a finalist for the King of Prussia Gold Medal at the National Churches Trust`s Church Architecture Awards 2026 🏆
Our work on St John the Baptist in Rochdale, a Grade II* listed church famous for its striking domed form and sanctuary mosaic, has been recognised alongside some of the best church conservation projects in the country.
We`ve been working on St John`s since 2020, carrying out detailed surveys of the dome and clerestory and developing a full schedule of repairs to tackle decades of water damage and concrete decay, all while protecting the building`s incredible 1930s mosaic artwork.
Being shortlisted for such a prestigious award is a brilliant reflection of the hard work and care that`s gone into this project 🙏
#Architecture #HistoricBuilding #Conservation #ChurchArchitecture
Oct 1
As Crosby Granger Architects continues to grow, we’re taking the opportunity to look at what that growth means for our people, our culture and the way we work together🤝
We’ve started working with RealiseHR on a programme designed to help us develop as a practice. Over the coming months, we’ll be looking at everything from our values and leadership to communication, collaboration and smarter ways of working.
We recently brought the whole team together for the first of a series of workshops, exploring where we’re heading, what growth means for our team and how we want to work together to get there!
Most importantly, the programme gives the whole team a voice in defining what’s important to us and the kind of practice we want to build.
Because sustainable growth isn’t just about the projects we deliver. It’s about investing in the people who make them possible.
Sep 23
Nestled in the Howgill Fells, the traditional barns at Thwaite Farm were deteriorating - until grant funding brought us onboard to help turn things around 🌾
Preserving their historic character was just as important to us as making them structurally sound. And while heritage conservation was the primary goal, the family needed them to remain practical, working farm buildings.
Watching these historic structures transform from vulnerable to secure was an emotional experience for the family - and we are so proud to have played a part in saving them for future generations.
This project is featured in our latest piece in Issue 52 of Conservation & Heritage magazine, alongside a look at how the approach used at Thwaite is now being applied across 21 further barns in Cumbria ✨
#Architecture #HistoricBuilding #Conservation
Sep 7
