Heritage Building Conservation

Aylsham Manor – The Coal Shed Restoration

Aylsham, a historic weaving town in Norfolk, reflects a fascinating blend of English and Dutch heritage, which is evident in architectural details like the Dutch gable on the coal shed at Aylsham Manor. This architectural influence likely stems from the 16th-century migration of Dutch and Flemish weavers to the Norfolk area, drawn by the booming cloth trade. The region’s prosperity, particularly in weaving and textiles, brought unique cultural elements to Norfolk towns, including Aylsham.

Our team took on the challenge of restoring the coal shed’s iconic Dutch gable, which had suffered from erosion and structural issues over time. With careful repointing using lime-based mortar and selective brick replacement, we preserved the building’s authentic character. Each reclaimed brick was chosen to match the shed’s original masonry, and our focus on traditional craftsmanship ensures that this remarkable structure will continue to stand the test of time. This restoration not only safeguards the shed’s unique architectural elements but also reinforces its role in the history of Aylsham Manor

Project Background

The coal shed at Aylsham Manor tells its own story, with many visitors mistakenly believing that the two bricked-up sections were once windows, closed off due to the infamous window tax. In fact, these were originally wooden hatches used by the local coal merchant to deliver coal sacks directly into the shed. They were only bricked up in the 20th century, but the misconception endures, adding another layer to the building’s historical narrative.

Our Restoration Approach

For this project, we carefully restored the Dutch-inspired gable and other original elements, employing lime mortar repointing to preserve the structure’s breathability. Reclaimed bricks were selectively used to match the coal shed’s original masonry, ensuring that the building’s authentic character was retained. Our goal was to honor the building’s Dutch-influenced architecture and historical function, preserving its unique features for future generations.

The Old Bank House – A Historic Restoration

Located next door to Aylsham Manor, The Old Bank House is another significant building with a storied past. Originally built as a residence, this building later served as the town’s bank before Gurney Bank (which eventually became Barclays) moved across the street. In the early Victorian era, a solicitor from London purchased the house, adding a small Georgian-style extension to the front, giving the building a grand facade while barely expanding its footprint.

Project Background

The Old Bank House project was particularly special, as it came to us through recommendations from our work at Aylsham Manor. This connection is a testament to the appreciation from local residents who value the restoration efforts we’re bringing to the area. Our task was to repoint and repair the Norwich Road-facing wall, a project requiring extensive scaffolding and careful planning due to site constraints and local traffic.

Challenges

The narrow 900mm footpath posed a challenge, as extending the scaffolding into the road was impractical due to the busy market square and nearby bus route. Instead, we secured a permit to close off the footpath, and our scaffolders erected narrow scaffolding, physically tied into the building. However, anchoring the scaffolding into the soft bricks required pull tests to ensure safe and stable installation.
Another unique challenge was the blackening of bricks caused by years of soot accumulation from vehicles in the nearby car park. While we found a matching replacement brick for the hundreds of blown bricks, they initially stood out against the darker surrounding bricks. To blend them seamlessly, we used a specialist masonry black spray paint to achieve a uniform appearance.
The building had previously been repointed with cement-based mortar, which contributed to brick erosion and made grinding it out difficult without causing further damage. Grinding cement from old bricks requires precision, as the grinder naturally gravitates toward the softer bricks, which demanded careful handling to prevent damage.

Our Restoration Approach

Our mission was to restore The Old Bank House in a way that made it impossible to tell which sections had been repaired. With meticulous brickwork replacement, lime mortar repointing, and blending techniques, we aimed for a seamless result. Although previous poor-quality work had left lasting marks, we believe we brought the building closer to its former glory, a sentiment echoed by the local community, who have shown great appreciation for our work.