Restoration & Preservation

Case Study

Alnwick Castle Restoration

Maintaining Alnwick Castle as a visitor attraction has involved major structural repairs.

In recent years work has been undertaken to the curtain walls, many of the towers and battlements, and the restoration of some of the ornate sculptures as well as glazing and joinery repairs and the installation of lightning conductors. We have repaired the spiral stone access stairs to the North Wall walks, and uncovered and restored the entrance to the underground 18th Century ice house in the castle grounds, which was completely dismantled and rebuilt.

The latest phase of work at Alnwick Castle's inner keep is almost complete. As one of the busiest areas of the Castle work has been carried out safely, sensitively and efficiently, minimising any disruption to the visitor experience as much as possible.

Case Study

Tenantry Column

An exciting new lighting scheme has been installed as part of a three-phased repair and restoration project on the Grade I Listed Percy Tenantry Column in Alnwick.

Northumberland Estates has undertaken structural surveys to identify defects on the 83 ft tall Doric column, and conservation work is scheduled to begin in 2023. The new architectural lighting system replaces the previous system with energy-efficient LED lighting with colour capability, which highlights the column and provides further opportunities to integrate the site into public life.  A specialist condition survey of the Coade Stone lions is ongoing and remedial works are likely to form the final phase of the project.

Case Study

Alnwick Station Regeneration

Future projects include the regeneration of Alnwick Station. 

The Victorian railway station in the heart of Alnwick was designed and rebuilt by William Bell in 1887. Once a busy railway station, the 32,000 sq. ft, Grade II listed building is now the home of Barter Books. 

Recognising the special architectural and historical significance of the station, Northumberland Estates has work scheduled to re-slate the roof, which will help ensure structural safety for years to come and protect the building from deterioration stemming from the ageing roofs.

The work will be undertaken using materials that match the original as closely as practically possible.

Case Study

Hulne Priory

Hulne Priory, a Scheduled Monument established by the Carmelites in 1240, holds historical significance as the best-preserved and possibly earliest Carmelite Friary in England. Nestled within the Grade I Registered Park and Garden of Hulne Park, the priory's remains are encircled by a defensive boundary wall, a relic from the era of border conflicts between England and Scotland. The priory was dissolved in 1539, yet its ruins continue to tell a story of centuries past. Over time, Hulne Priory has faced several conservation challenges. These include defective mortar joints, unstable wall heads, and significant vegetation growth. Inappropriate cementitious mortar used in earlier re-pointing efforts has further accelerated the stone's deterioration.

Initial conservation work began in 2013 but was paused in 2015. Efforts resumed in 2021, focusing first on the south boundary wall to ensure public safety and preserve this historic monument for future generations.

The scope of works included the following: consolidation and conservation of sandstone walls and wall heads; repointing joints where mortar has eroded; careful removal of cementitious mortar where it has a detrimental effect on the fabric of the building and repointing with correct mortar; localised repairs to stonework where movement has occurred; and the removal of algae, vegetation, and tree saplings