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.
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
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.
