Project Details

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Phase 1 – 2016
In 2015 Plymouth Cathedral was awarded grant money from the First World War Centenary Cathedral Repairs Fund, enabling them to carry out essential wind and waterproofing repairs to the building’s high-level external envelope. Corbel successfully tendered for the work and began a 12-month project that involved a wide range of heritage skills. The building had been repointed during the 1960s using a cement ribbon pointing. This was all removed at clerestory level and replaced with an NHL lime mix to match the existing mortar found in place. Roof repairs and modifications were carried out to ensure the roof functioned correctly and conformed to new industry guidelines. The whole cast iron rainwater system was upgraded including 6-inch down pipes and 6×8-inch gutters. The rose window to the west end was in a poor state of repair and had weathered beyond a point where it was practical to be saved. Templates were taken from the existing, and the original glass was carefully removed to be re-fitted later. A new rose window was carved and fitted in place of the existing using Doulting Stone and housing the original stained glass. Extensive works were also carried out to the Bishop’s House which involved carpentry repairs and decorations to the windows and doors, mortar repairs and indents to the Bath Stone mullion windows, and further improvements to the roof structure. Phase 2 – 2017 In 2017 Corbel returned to carry out another similar phase of works, again funded by the First World War Centenary Cathedral Repairs Fund. Works in this phase are of a similar ilk and will see the remainder of the pointing completed externally along with essential masonry replacement or consolidation and glazing conservation to the impressive stained glass windows. This phase also contains a large amount of internal work involving removal of all vinyl paint from the face of the lime plaster using ThermaVac techniques, lime plaster removal and replacement to the areas that have failed, and a full replacement of the current heating system. The two phases of work will allow the building to function as intended when built, and will safeguard it from further deterioration for many decades to come.

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Contract Period: 2016/2017

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Contract Value: £1M+

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Architects: Purcell