Crosby Granger Architects are the inspecting Architects to St. Helen’s Church, a Grade I listed church that was recently admitted onto Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register due to the condition of the masonry. The magnesian limestone had been pointed in a cement based mortar that was causing the heavy and rapid deterioration of the solid core masonry. To the chancel particularly, this, coupled with ingress at the wallhead had caused the medieval earth-core masonry to wash out, and to saturate the stonework from the inside out.
Phase 1 was completed in 2017, and saw the chancel re-roofed to resolve the issues of water ingress at the wallhead. This then allowed a period of drying of the stonework before the second phase of works was commenced.
With thanks to a major funding grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Phase 2 was completed in 2019 that included a substantial stone conservation exercise to the entire building envelope, including stone repairs, indents, mortar repairs, friable stone stabilisation, complete re-pointing and localised thrown rough-casting to areas of vulnerable rubble, followed by traditional limewashing to all of the medieval rubble masonry to add an additional layer of protection in the traditional style.
Through careful opening up works during the project development phase, and investigations and consultation with a Materials Analyst we developed a repair mortar that was both compatible with the existing mortar, some of which was earth-based, as well as being an appropriate match for the very soft magnesian limestone.
As part of the main stone conservation project we assisted in facilitating the activities schedule, which included craft skills training, interpretation information, investigative archaeological digs, and a new guidebook.
DISCIPLINES COVERED IN COMMISSION:
• Site evaluation and historic building assessments including structural surveys,
• Production and review of Heritage significance statements,
• Technical advice on details of conservation and design for listed buildings,
• Application and gaining of statutory consents,
• Consultation with Historic England regarding the church’s admission onto the Heritage at Risk Register and agreement of repair methods,
• Consultation with a range of professional disciplines.
We`re proud to share that the Higham Whole Estate Plan received a Commendation at the 2026 RTPI North West Awards in the Excellence in Plan Making Practice category!
The project was developed through a close partnership between Crosby Granger Architects and the @lakedistrictnpa, creating a long-term vision for a rural estate that balances landscape stewardship, biodiversity, heritage and economic resilience.
We had a fantastic evening celebrating planning projects from across the region. One of the highlights was hearing poet Tony Walsh perform a selection of poems inspired by places across the North West, including the Lake District - a fitting reminder of the connections between landscape, heritage and community that underpin so much of the work recognised on the night.
Congratulations to all those recognised on the night🌟
Jun 25
Last week at Holker Hall...
It was great to bring together landowners, estate managers and rural professionals to discuss how Whole Estate Planning can support long-term resilience through sustainable growth, environmental stewardship and meaningful community engagement.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, including our fellow speakers, panel members and attendees, for sharing valuable insights and contributing to some thought-provoking discussions around Biodiversity Net Gain, estate strategy and the evolving opportunities facing rural estates.
Thank you to @holkerhall for hosting us in such a beautiful setting.
Jun 9
We’re delighted to share that we have been shortlisted for the 2026 RTPI North West Awards in the Excellence in Plan Making Practice category for the Higham Whole Estate Plan!
Developed through a close partnership between Crosby Granger Architects and the Lake District National Park Authority, the plan sets out a long-term vision for a 1,170-acre rural estate. Bringing together landscape, heritage, biodiversity and rural enterprise, the WEP demonstrates how strategic planning can support resilient rural communities while safeguarding landscapes and enhancing what makes them special.
The project demonstrates the value of collaborative, landscape-scale planning in helping to shape rural places - identifying opportunities for sustainable change and lasting community benefit.
We’re proud to see this work recognised and would like to thank everyone who contributed to the project.
Jun 4
We are restoring St Chad’s Church in Gateshead, a Grade I listed landmark known as the 'Cathedral for the Workers.' Our conservation work safeguards its high-Gothic architecture and Arts & Crafts interiors, ensuring the longevity of this community icon. This project reinforces our dedication to preserving places of historic and cultural significance.
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.
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.
