English Heritage

Bayham Old Abbey

Classification

Scheduled Monument

Summary of Works

Scaffolding installation, including temporary access arrangements and protection works to safeguard the building fabric throughout the project.
Initial scaffold investigation period to allow for detailed inspection, reassessment of the masonry condition, confirmation of the detailed schedule of works, and archaeological recording where required.
Application of systemic herbicide followed by the careful removal of all dead vegetation and organic growth from the masonry.
Dry brushing and gentle cleaning of the stonework to remove loose debris, dust and surface soiling, with no intention to over-clean the walls or remove the historic surface patina.
Micro-pinning and lime-based conservation repairs to areas of spalling and laminated stonework, including window heads, sills, jamb dressings and associated architectural features.
Selective indent repairs in Sussex sandstone, where necessary, to decayed masonry elements including walling, string courses, hood moulds, window tracery and plinth stonework.
Careful removal of inappropriate cementitious mortars that are accelerating the decay of adjacent historic stonework.
Repointing and mortar repairs in appropriate lime mortars, together with lime conservation treatments to friable or weathered stone surfaces and soft bedding planes.
Lime grouting of voids and deep pockets within the masonry to consolidate the wall structure and improve stability.
Structural masonry repairs, including discreet stitch repairs where required to maintain the long-term structural integrity of the building fabric.
Removal of cementitious capping from wall tops and replacement with appropriate lime mortar capping or rough racking to ensure proper breathability and protection of the masonry core.

Overall Description of Works

A very important heritage project, undertaken in a remote location with significant logistical challenges, required a carefully considered programme of conservation works to protect and stabilise the historic fabric.

The works commenced with the installation of scaffolding, temporary access arrangements and protective measures to ensure safe access while safeguarding the building. An initial scaffold investigation period allowed for detailed inspection of the masonry, reassessment of the condition of the structure, confirmation of the detailed schedule of works and archaeological recording where required. Vegetation and organic growth were addressed through the application of a systemic herbicide followed by the careful removal of all dead plant matter.

The stonework was then gently dry-brushed to remove loose debris, dust and surface soiling, with no intention to over-clean the walls or remove the historic surface patina. Specialist conservation repairs included micro-pinning and lime-based stabilisation of spalling and laminated stonework to window heads, sills and jamb dressings, alongside judicious indent repairs in Sussex sandstone to decayed walling, string courses, hood moulds, window tracery and plinth stonework.

Inappropriate cementitious mortars that were accelerating the decay of adjacent stonework were carefully removed, followed by repointing and mortar repairs using traditional lime mortars together with lime conservation treatments to friable or weathered stone surfaces. Additional consolidation works included lime grouting of voids and deep pockets within the masonry and structural stitch repairs to ensure the long-term integrity of the structure.

The works concluded with the removal of cementitious wall-top capping and the installation of breathable lime mortar capping and rough racking to provide appropriate protection to the historic masonry.