Heritage Contractor to Provide New Roof for an Old Glory

HERITAGE conservation contractor, DBR Ltd, has won the contract to restore Blenheim Palace’s historic roof and facades.

The £10.4 million restoration project will see DBR’s team of specialists repair and conserve a substantial section of the Grade I listed building’s roof and facade.

DBR Ltd was chosen due to its experience in the conservation of historic buildings, previously working on projects including Buckingham Palace, Wakehurst Place, and the Palace of Westminster.

Commenting on the size of the opportunity and the scale of the challenge, DBR Executive Director and Chairman, Adrian Attwood ACR, says, “This project is of immense significance, taking place on a UNESCO World Heritage site, and will engage our teams of expert craftspeople to restore a major national monument and tourist attraction.

“We are proud of our exemplary craftsmanship and look forward to collaborating closely with the Blenheim Palace Estate team to preserve this treasured historical landmark for future generations.”

New Roof for an Old Glory

The work will commence with the dismantling of the roof coverings and replacement with Welsh and Westmoreland slate, alongside sand cast lead and rolled lead sheet for flashings. DBR will work to ensure every detail reflects original detailing and craftsmanship.

This extends to timber substrates and structures with sensitive investigations and remediations required, as well as renewal and improvement of guttering, M&E and ancillary works. This includes everything from minor upgrades, for example, smoke alarm replacement and lighting protection renewal to larger intervention such as safety access renewal and introduction of new access routes.

With façade works also included in the scheme, DBR will need to undertake high-level stone repairs and minimal, but precise, masonry cleaning where required.

Maintaining a Legacy

Designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, a frequent collaborator of the Hawksmoor, Blenheim Palace is a famous example of Baroque architecture.

Intended to be a national memorial, commemorative monument, dynastic mausoleum, family home and visitor attraction from day one, the team will need to ensure the site stays open to the public throughout.

The project will include a public viewing platform where the conservation work can be viewed at roof level along with a high-level vista of the estate. It will also include craft workshops and community engagement on the skills being used to carry out the work.

Work will commence in January 2025. DBR’s team of managers and conservators will undertake work over two years, including upgrading roof installation and safe roof access systems.

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