Castle House 12
September 2012
Somerset Buildings Preservation Trust has appointed
Coombes as the main contractor for the refurbishment work which began early in
July. Scaffolding has been erected by agreement with the Castle Hotel, and
after some discussion a good (not to say vital!) arrangement for access,
parking and waste management was also negotiated with the Hotel. This entailed
a new temporary opening in the southern brick boundary wall, which is
essentially modern and was in poor repair in any case.
Work has progressed at the expected rate, and the
steering group has the view that there are no particular concerns arising so
far.
Removal of modern fabric and opening up have
revealed some structural problems requiring straightforward intervention that
was not detailed previously but not outside expectations, and on the other hand
restorable parquet floors have been unexpectedly found that mean significant
saving of new flooring that was planned originally. The previously blocked
external doorway through the South curtain wall into the lobby from the moat
courtyard was unblocked as planned but unsound jambs needed to be rebuilt. This
doorway will be essential to the use of the Vivat tenants, and a further
blocked doorway from this room has been found in the old partition at the foot
of the stairs which will also prove a very safe and convenient separate route
for the tenants. Further west in the curtain wall the temporary removal of the
Elizabethan panelling in the crockery cupboard has interestingly revealed the back
of a bread oven, and also that the stonework above was dangerously unsupported!
Stripping of recent wallpaper has revealed many
layers of historic papers, stencilled painting, generations of plasterwork,
doorways and alterations. Inspection gives the impression that the building has
even greater fragility than anyone had anticipated, but that the builders are
taking intense personal interest in the work to a man, that immense care is
being taken to preserve old fabric where possible, and that the site is safe,
tidy and well managed. The Architect and Engineer in particular provide a
capable confidence that all is well. Archaeologists can be seen recording the
fabric as it appears with attendance by students, and other students are
securing an extensive photographic record.
My impression to date is that SANHS should feel
greatly reassured at this point that a wonderful rescue of this part of its
estate is under way in the nick of time.
An enjoyable Open Day last Saturday, 8 September, was held to which
SANHS members were also invited. Over a hundred visitors signed in and
unexpected donations came to £50. A visit for SANHS members for closer
inspection is anticipated in the near future. Drawings and schedule of works
are available to see if requested.
Anthony Bruce
