Case Study
Client: The Cowdray Heritage Trust
Architect: Martin Ashley Architects
Quantity Surveyor: Dearle & Henderson
Principal Contractor: Stonewest
Services Provided: Conservation, Principal Contracting
Project Overview
Stonewest, working its sister company St Blaise, won the contract to carry out the works to the remains of the Tudor Palace known as The Cowdray Ruins. The Palace, built in the 16th century, was used as a stately home until destroyed by fire in 1793. The area has “Schedule Ancient Monument Status” and is Grade I Listed.
Key Successes
- The stabilisation and conservation of the remains of Cowdray House.
This involved the installation of stainless-steel anchors to strengthen and stabilise key areas of the structure. Replacement of the failing concrete lintols, installed to replace the charred timber around 1900 and extensive grouting and repointing. Where possible, the existing stone was conserved as were the remains of the windows and other ferramenta. Local materials are used where available for replacements. The remains of the Italian plasterwork in the Chapel were of specific interest as it dates from the 1600’s. - The upgrading of the two habitable areas of the ruins for use as display areas – The Tudor kitchen and cellar.
- The conversion of the adjacent stables into a Visitor Centre.
- Internal landscaping, introduction of new pathways and establishment of the original railings.
- The conservation and upgrading of the Causeway, a raised pathway that connects the town of Midhurst with the ruins across a flood plain. This included the conservation of two masonry bridges.
- Conservation of the adjacent HaHa, a hidden masonry wall invisible from the ruins designed to keep livestock out of the Palace grounds.
- Refurbishment and upgrading of the Conduit House, a two-storey octagonal building of a similar date to the ruins.
