Hardwick Old Hall

Chesterfield, East Midlands

AABC Conservation Awards Citation

The restoration and conservation of Hardwick Old Hall, a captivating ruin from the late 16th century, undertaken by dedicated architects, represents a harmonious blend of architectural prowess, thoughtful design considerations, and innovative conservation techniques. 

Commissioned under English Heritage’s Sustainable Conservation Strategy & Asset Management Plan (SCAMP) principles, the project addresses the challenges of falling masonry and decay, ensuring the preservation of this Grade I listed and Scheduled Monument. Hardwick Old Hall stands as a testament to the construction techniques employed on the neighbouring masterpiece, Hardwick Hall. 

With a rich history dating back to the 14th century and its association with the prominent Hardwick family, the Old Hall had suffered various alterations and interventions over the centuries. The 16th-century enlargement by Bess of Hardwick, its use as servant quarters, and subsequent partial dismantling for Chatsworth House’s construction in the 1750s added layers of complexity to the conservation efforts. The conservation journey, spanning from the SPAB works in 1912 to interventions by the Ministry of Works in the 1960s, 1970-80s, 1990s, and 2000s, provided a fascinating record of evolving conservation techniques. 

Despite being exposed to the elements, Hardwick Old Hall retained many original plaster and decorative overmantels, offering an open-air museum experience and a glimpse into late 16th-century construction methods. The initial condition survey identified accelerated decay mechanisms, including stone decay, failed mortar, rusting metal rebar, rotting timbers, failing decorative plaster, and vegetation growth. Nesting birds had also contributed to the deterioration, causing loose masonry to fall. The team employed a meticulous approach to address these challenges, aiming to make the site safe for public reopening while adhering to SCAMP principles. The interventions showcase a nuanced understanding of each decay mechanism. The introduction of new external lime render (or harl) to the west elevation emerged as a radical yet essential technique. This intervention, coupled with new enlarged lead canopy hoods over decorative plaster, replacement of stones, concrete repairs, and new below-ground drainage proposals, aimed to arrest decay mechanisms and ensure structural stability. The decision to reinstate the original lime render on the west elevation was a pivotal conservation technique. This not only addressed structural concerns posed by erosion but also protected the Gog and Magog plaster reliefs within the Great Hill Chamber. The lime harl coating, with its rough cast appearance, provided a technically protective surface, discouraging erosion and reducing moisture penetration. 

Notably, the conservation philosophy prioritised robust interventions over sensitive repairs, aligning with SCAMP principles. Preference was given to stone replacement over mortar repairs, and SPAB repairs were retained where possible, contributing to the building’s rich significance and historical authenticity.

Judges’ Comments: “The project not only breathes new life into a historic ruin but also safeguards its unique construction techniques for generations to come.”