Final Phase of Historic Roof Restoration Complete

THE FOURTH and final phase of the roof restoration of Coughton Court, a Grade I listed Tudor property in Warwickshire, has concluded.

Spanning almost two years and costing over £2.3m, the major reroofing works are the largest restoration project undertaken in the property’s 600-year history.

Following an inspection identifying extensive deterioration to the property’s South Wing and tower roofs, including failed leadwork and poor drainage, Oliver Architecture was appointed to work closely with the National Trust to develop a restoration scheme grounded in repair over replacement.

Major Roof Restoration

The roof and façade restoration was carried out by traditional building contractors, Messenger.

The roof was stripped in its entirety, allowing for detailed surveys of the timbers to take place and repairs made, before being completely re-tiled. In amongst the new tiles, were a number decorated by local children as part of a “tag a tile” event, making them part of the ongoing history of the building.

All repairs were in keeping with the original appearance, with slates, bricks and mortars undergoing rigorous testing for suitability, and the decorations to the outside of the building carefully colour matched.

Whilst working, the Messenger team found various tradesmen markings from throughout the building’s history. These carvings included the outline of the previous lead fitters’ feet, as well as graffiti and images etched into the wood by carpenters of the past.

Image credit: Oliver Architecture

Behind the Scenes

Home to the Throckmortons since the 15^th century, the property holds a unique past including plots to overthrow Queen Elizabeth I and the family’s adherence to the Catholic church in face of persecution.

Throughout the works, the public were regularly welcomed behind the scenes. Visitors were given access to a scaffold viewing platform to see firsthand the extent of the works taking place, and what it takes to secure a building of this magnitude.

The project also featured in the BBC’s Hidden Treasures of the National Trust, which captured the challenges the project faced, from transporting invaluable artifacts, to unpredictable weather conditions and accommodating resident wildlife.

Sustainability also played a role during the project, with a bespoke solar solution implemented. The used of these panels reduced the need for diesel run generators, lowering the carbon footprint of the project.

>> Read about more roof restoration projects in the news