Work in Progress
In 1966 the then Cathedral Architect and Clerk of Works advised the need for comprehensive fabric repairs. Attention was drawn to the blistering and exfoliation of surfaces in soot encrusted areas, the delamination of the face bedded stone in statutory and shafts and the pattern of cracking and erosion of weathered surfaces. Many of the lead roofs were found to be more than a hundred and fifty years old, acid etched by rain or distorted and cracked by thermal movement. Leaks were leading to fungal outbreaks and timber decay in the roof structures and water retention was slowly seeping through to the decorative medieval painted surfaces below. In addition the glazing, some of the finest in the country, was becoming fail and in desperate need of releading and cleaning.
Although the fabric throughout the Cathedral was unfortunately in alarming condition, it was decided in the first instance to focus attention on those areas in the worst condition namely; the Spire, Tower, West Front and Roofs.
Work on the Spire was commenced in 1986 after an appeal by the Cathedral Trust, under the patronage of HRH Prince Charles, raising more than £6 million towards the works. The work to the Spire was completed in 1992 and was followed by conservation and repairs being undertaken on the Tower and West Front completing in 2001. The last major area of work to be completed was that of the Roofs in 2005. Involving 90% replacement/recycling of the lead and structural repair to the timbers.
The Major Repair Programme continues today with work to repair and conserve the masonry and glazing of the Cathedral. The present Long Term Plan is projecting a completion in 2015 when the exterior elements of the Repair Programme will be totally finished. Following this date, although annual maintenance will be ongoing, the major area of work will be associated with the Interior, a plan for which has yet to be formulated.
There is no doubting how important the historic environment is in people's lives and the extent to which they want our heritage to be properly cared for and preserved. The Cathedral's 'Mission Statement' confirms this objective and the Dean and Chapter are serious in this intent as evidenced by the huge commitment they have already made over the last 20 years and will continue to make over the next 10 years to the project's completion.
May I on behalf of the craftsmen and women who look after and conserve this great building echo those sentiments and pledge our commitment to the care of conserving this great Cathedral for future generations to enjoy and visit.
Peter Edds
Head of Buildings and Estate
