Opening-up works are progressing at Bledlow Manor and have revealed all sorts of quirky historic interventions.

Historic carpenters’ marks have been revealed on timber beams and rafters – which were traditionally used by carpenters to allow prefabrication of timber components and easy assembly onsite. A series of steel beams, known to have been installed previously have also been revealed and inspected. Historic floor strengthening and timber repairs have also been revealed, with many joists still showing signs of long-lost lath and plaster.

On-site discoveries are common with all work on historic buildings and are to be expected. We see these discoveries as a way to increase our understanding of the building and use the new information to inform the design and conservation approach.