Image: Blenheim Palace (Blenheim Palace - Carmel Jane)
The UNESCO World Heritage Site has announced major plans for a roof restoration
Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire has unveiled a major restoration project, a £10.4m roof repair.
The project, which it called its most ambitious to date, will focus on the complete restoration of a substantial section of the Palace roof, which it said will enhance the resilience of the structure against the elements.
The roof project is necessary due to water penetration of the roof of the Great Hall, in the Heights (formerly the servants’ quarters) and in the Saloon.
The palace said a combination of age, climate change and rainfall water penetration have led to the current state of the roof, attic timbers and ceilings below.
It reports that water has saturated the timbers below the roof, which are now also infested with Death Watch Beetle, and is causing damage to its ceiling fresco by Sir James Thornhill.
There is also damp, roof leaks, smoke damage, dirt, mould, decay, and collapsed ceilings. Outside on the roof, there is considerable stone delamination and stone fall, as well as rusting iron cramps, which it said is “causing health and safety risks and further water penetration.”
The roof – almost an acre in size – is 300% under capacity and is only served by six downpipes, it said. It means excess rain causes commonplace leaks, and increased rainwater capacity is needed.
New events from the project
Next year three new experiences will be created as a result of the project. A ticketed viewing platform experience is planned, in which visitors can see views over the estate while works are carried out. A ‘Life Below Stairs ‘ experience will open in the lower palace kitchens, where visitors will get a new look at the servant areas. And ‘Family Treasures’ will put on display treasures from the palace’s private apartments.
Kelly Whitton, Head of Built Heritage at Blenheim Palace, called the project “monumental”, describing it as “one of the most ambitious conservation efforts in Blenheim Palace’s history.”
“By opening up new areas of the Palace to the public and creating opportunities for visitors to see the project in action in a unique way, we aim to highlight the importance of heritage conservation while supporting heritage craftsmanship by the skilled tradespeople and specialists whose work will ensure Blenheim remains standing for years to come.”
