Repairing historic buildings is more than a just a technical process, it’s the preservation of heritage, artistry, and cultural history. At the forefront of this mission is the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB), whose flagship Old House Project embodies their principles of informed conservation, minimal intervention and sustainability.
Tucked away in the Kent countryside and hidden by an overgrown garden, St. Andrew’s Chapel, a Grade II* listed medieval gatehouse, had been left derelict for decades and was on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register. In 2018, SPAB acquired the chapel and embarked on a five-year project to repair this characterful building, demonstrating exemplary conservation methods and materials. Every aspect of the project, from survey to structural repair, has been used to educate and inspire homeowners, conservation professionals, and craftspeople. The building was in a perilous state as vandal damage had left the site vulnerable, the roof sagged and leaked, walls were bowed, and centuries of patchy repairs had obscured its original form. But SPAB saw not just a ruin, but an opportunity, a practical case study to share best practices in conservation. SPAB’s technical and research committee advised on services, energy conservation and materials to use for the project including local limestone, ragstone and septarian stone.
An archaeological and historical investigation helped unravel the past to develop well informed and sympathetic plans for its future. St Andrews has a colourful and fascinating history. Dating back to 1484, possibly a gatehouse chapel to the nearby Cistercian Boxley Abbey, it likely served pilgrims who were not permitted to worship within the abbey. After the dissolution of the monasteries in 1538 it became a private house. It has housed a relic of St Andrew, was owned by the Tudor poet, Thomas Wyatt, and then served a community role as the local post office. Over the course of the project, SPAB worked with Historic England, Kent Archaeological Society and the local council, to uncover more of the building’s story and to bring St Andrew’s back to life.
Initially progress was slow, through the Covid pandemic and with many problems and restrictions thrown their way. In 2018 and early 2019, emergency repairs were made to the roof and windows and a security system installed. In 2021 and 2022, major structural repairs were made to the oak framed roof using as much original material as possible and brick and stone repairs were made using traditional lime mortars. In 2023, it was time for the interiors, with lime plastering, wattle and daube and doors and floors crafted with historical accuracy.
What sets this project apart is its open-door ethos. SPAB shared their learnings and progress with an education programme including workshops, video demonstrations and a project book. The initiative has drawn support from craftspeople and industry leaders, reinforcing the importance of traditional skills in modern restoration. Doing up a ‘wreck’ is appealing to many, but throughout this project SPAB wanted to inform and advise members of important considerations before embarking on a significant repair project.
The Role of Rainwater Goods in Historic Preservation
Among the many elements essential to restoring a building like St. Andrew’s Chapel, rainwater goods play a critical yet often understated role. Proper drainage is vital to prevent damp and structural decay, especially in buildings with permeable historic materials. SPAB’s philosophy dictated a faithful yet durable solution, leading to the choice of cast iron for the gutters, downpipes, and hopper heads.
Our expertise in producing architecturally sympathetic components made us a perfect partner for SPAB’s conservation goals. We supplied bespoke cast iron rainwater goods, including a double angled piece of gutter, meticulously crafted to blend with the chapel’s historic aesthetic while providing modern-day resilience. We ensured that heritage standards were maintained without compromise, combining visual authenticity with practical performance and longevity, showing how collaboration between conservation bodies and traditional manufacturers can safeguard the future of ancient buildings.
The Old House project is almost complete and soon a new owner will be found. Open days are planned; visit SPAB’s website for more information https://www.spab.org.uk/