4.10 Historic Buildings and Monuments Grants

Where recording is a necessary part of a programme of repair works, it may be eligible for funding under any of the EH grant schemes (Ancient Monuments and Historic Buildings Grants, Church Grants, or Cathedral Grants). Understanding and interpreting a structure is an essential first step in repair work, and creating an appropriate record of the work carried out is an important final stage in most repair programmes. Survey drawings of a building may be essential to provide a properly costed specification for archaeological repairs, or to target areas which require repair, and to ensure that the impact of works is clearly identified in advance. Recording programmes can take the form of an initial assessment, the compilation of a more detailed record prior to repair and conservation, a watching brief during works, and the preparation of a final report on completion. Recording involves the creation of measured drawings and condition surveys, often including the use of photogrammetry, supported by detailed analysis. The proactive recording and analysis of a building therefore informs repair programmes, and makes the work of engineers, architects, and conservators much easier.

 

Pell Wall Hall, Market Drayton, Shropshire

This hall, built between 1822 and 1829, is a late example of the work of Sir John Soane. In 1987 a fire which burned for three days, gutted the interiors but left the masonry remarkably intact. Soon after, the Pell Wall Hall Trust was formed and is now embarked on a programme of restoration with an EH repair grant of £1m. The grant is for the repair of the shell of the building and the replacement of its roof. £25k of the grant has been earmarked for the process of recording and analysing the surviving fabric by the project architects. By the time of the fire, the building had lost its original service wing with its tall free-standing chimney and had acquired various Victorian and Edwardian additions. The aim of the restoration project is to return the building to its original appearance. Fortunately, the construction of the house is well documented in records held at the Soane Museum which include plans, perspective views of the interior and exterior, letters, and building accounts. The restoration will therefore be based on a detailed study of the surviving fabric integrated with all the documentary evidence. The reinstatement of the interiors will be the subject of a Lottery application.