Image: Tintern Abbey (CC BY-SA 4.0 Martinvl)
Cadw initiates major conservation project at Tintern Abbey, focusing on chapel restoration. First phase underway with plans for five-phase works to preserve the iconic Welsh monument.
Conservation works have commenced at Tintern Abbey, as announced by Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service. The project focuses on the restoration of the abbey’s chapels, marking the first of five planned phases to preserve the monument.
For four decades, Cadw’s specialist masons have been working to conserve the building, addressing issues such as stone deterioration caused by changing weather patterns and misplaced original stonework.
The current phase of work began following the completion of scaffolding installation. Conservation efforts include removing loose stonework, clearing vegetation, and consolidating fragile stones using lime-rich mortar. The process involves pinning stones together and securing them to surrounding masonry. Outdated copper straps, originally used to hold stones in place, will be removed once new pins are installed.
Cadw engaged Ferrier Hart Thomas and David Odgers Conservation to conduct surveys and provide detailed specifications for the stonemasons. The comprehensive survey, which took nearly a year to complete, incorporated archaeological investigations of the church floors and surrounding areas.
Grosvenor Construction Ltd, a specialist conservation contractor from North Wales, has been appointed to carry out the works. The company recently completed a redevelopment project at Kings Gate, Caernarfon Castle.
Gwilym Hughes, Head of Cadw, said: “For nearly 900 years the abbey has been welcoming worshippers, wealthy patrons and visitors to this tranquil location, and once again it requires some attention. It’s fantastic to see this work beginning so generations to come can enjoy this iconic historic site.”
The conservation timeline for Tintern Abbey will be available for public viewing, with updates to be shared on social media platforms.
