The Outer Gatehouse at Buckden Towers

Huntingdonshire, Eastern

The conservation efforts on the Outer Gatehouse at Buckden Towers seamlessly integrate historical preservation with sustainable construction techniques. This project has not only safeguarded a nationally significant Scheduled Monument but also reinvigorated a vital architectural element of the site, ensuring its longevity and continued relevance to the community. A key strength of this conservation project was the meticulous research and investigation undertaken before any interventions were made. The discovery of an earlier vaulted brick ceiling, hidden within the roof structure, underscores the importance of thorough structural analysis in historic preservation. While rebuilding the original vaulted roof was considered, the decision to restore the existing butterfly roof with enhanced detailing and appropriate materials was a pragmatic and well-judged approach. This has demonstrated a balance between historical accuracy and practical conservation, ensuring structural resilience while maintaining the building's historical integrity. The use of traditional materials and techniques is another highlight of this project. The brick repairs, which utilised a ‘hot-mix’ lime mortar carefully matched through laboratory analysis, ensured compatibility with the original 15th-century masonry. The attention to preserving the polychromatic brick diapering and buttresses has further reinforced the authenticity of the conservation work. By opting for stainless-steel bed joint reinforcement and gravity-fed grout for structural repairs, the project addresses both aesthetic and functional concerns, enhancing the building’s durability without compromising its historical fabric. The roof restoration is particularly commendable. The replacement of the inappropriate clay tile roof with a Welsh slate solution demonstrates a well-reasoned approach, ensuring greater longevity and resilience against environmental factors. The integration of traditional sand-cast leadwork, along with measures to prevent underside corrosion, highlights the project's commitment to best conservation practices. The decision to reconstruct the roof structure using oak beams and improved joinery detailing was another crucial step in enhancing durability while maintaining historical authenticity. The restoration of the decorative vaulted ceiling with careful reformation of the ceiling using hand-riven chestnut laths and a three-coat lime plaster system is traditional craftsmanship at its finest. Additionally, the retention and restoration of the black-painted timber mouldings, each carefully numbered and reinstalled, showcase an admirable commitment to detail and authenticity. This project has had a significant impact on the local community. The involvement of local contractors, trained in traditional construction methods, helped preserve and enhance local craftsmanship skills. The removal of the Outer Gatehouse from the Heritage at Risk Register is a testament to the project's success in safeguarding this historic structure for future generations. Moreover, the development of a long-term maintenance plan ensures the sustained preservation of this architectural gem.

Judges’ Comments:

“Through rigorous research, careful material selection, and skilled craftsmanship, the project has restored a cherished landmark.”