THE HEIGHT OF DIFFICULTY
Projects to repair historic buildings are always challenging, but two in the South West have recently faced some unusually tough challenges.
CASTLE DROGO, DEVON
Following eight years of major restoration work, visitors are now able to see the results of the National Trust’s ambitious project to save Castle Drogo. There were all sorts of construction challenges encountered during the work and the very special kind of weather, only experienced in a location as high and exposed as this, has made the work more challenging.
The amount of work needed was immense. Around 3,000 granite blocks, weighing 680 tonnes have been removed and reinstated.
An impressive 64km, or 42 miles, of re-pointing has been completed. Every single one of the 913 windows has been refurbished, and the medieval-style flat roof, which is the size of two football pitches, has had a modern roof membrane system applied to better cope with the Dartmoor weather.
WELLINGTON MONUMENT, SOMERSET
Wellington Monument stands proud on the Blackdown Hills south of Taunton. Originally built to mark the Duke of Wellington’s success at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, it’s been at the heart of the local community for generations.
With a history of false starts, failing repairs and a lack of funds, it’s been a struggle to keep the structure in good condition. In 2019, the National Trust began a £3m conservation project, kick-started with thanks to
Rebecca Pow MP, the Chancellor, and money granted through LIBOR funds. The project has been a community effort, with locals supporting generously. A range of funders and donors (acknowledged on the Trust’s website) also made it a reality.
However, coronavirus presented the latest in the series of challenges the monument has faced.
Thankfully, with social distancing measures and a plan to ensure the team’s safety, the project was able to continue. Now in its final phase, work is due to finish in late summer.