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 frail 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 began in 1986 after an appeal by the Cathedral Trust which, under the patronage of HRH Prince Charles, raised more than £6 million. The work to the Spire was completed in 1992 and the conservation and repairs on the Tower and West Front were completed in 2000. The work on the Roofs, which involved 90% replacement / recycling of the lead plus structural repairs to the timbers, was completed in 2005.
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 2018 when the exterior elements of the Repair Programme should be completed and scaffolding will leave the building.
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 made to the project.
On behalf of the craftsmen and women who look after and conserve this great building, we echo those sentiments and pledge our commitment to the care of conserving this great Cathedral for future generations to enjoy and visit.
Mark Bonney
Canon Treasurer, Salisbury Cathedral