We would recommend the following points are considered as part of a maintenance plan:

1. Roof

Roofs should be checked to make sure all elements are in good condition and working correctly.  If there are slates or tiles missing or damaged, they should be replaced to prevent water entering the building.  Ridge tiles should be checked ensure they are not loose and flashings should be assessed for watertightness.

2. Rainwater Goods

Blocked or damaged rainwater goods are a common cause of water damage in historic buildings and should be checked frequently for any blockages.  They should be cleared of leaves and debris to ensure water can flow freely.

3. Plant Growth

Plant growth can seriously harm the fabric of historic buildings, causing structural issues with masonry, damp walls and blocked rainwater goods.  Plant growth should be monitored and controlled or removed carefully to avoid any damage.

4. Chimneys

Damage within the structure of a chimney can potentially become a dangerous issue if it were to fall.  Chimney stacks and pots should be checked to see if they are out of position or leaning.  Any cracks or loose masonry should be repaired and any vegetation growth should be carefully removed.

5. Exterior Walls

Exterior walls or the façade of the building are often the most eye-catching parts of a heritage property and defects in the external walls can affect the aesthetic significance as well as the structure.  Any missing pointing in joints should be replaced, cracks should be investigated to ascertain the cause and other defects in masonry should be repaired.  Damp staining, algae or vegetation growth might indicate an issue with rainwater goods or flashing so this should also be investigated.

6. Windows and Doors

Original sash windows and timber doors require regular maintenance to prevent rot and decay which if left untreated can be difficult to remedy.  Any paint or other coatings on timber should be checked for peeling or flaking and bare timber should be identified and redecorated using appropriate coatings.

Heritage buildings are key to our shared sustainable future and through carrying out maintenance, addressing small concerns and employing a heritage specialist to carry out small repairs, we can ensure that our heritage is preserved and utilised for generations to come while saving time and money.

If you have any maintenance or small works requirements please get in touch via our Contact Page.

The Basilica of St. Denis just north of Paris is considered to be the first Gothic building in the world and demonstrates the evolution from Romanesque architecture. In 1122 Abbot Suger, friend of French kings began to rebuild and enlarge the existing abbey, citing the building’s inability to deal with the large crowds of pilgrims who visited. He aimed to introduce more space and light. This was achieved with the use of flying buttresses and large stained-glass windows and through his work, Gothic architecture was born.

Typical features

The Flying Buttress

A defining feature of Gothic architecture, a flying buttress consists of a half arch that projects from a building wall down into a pier, conveying to the ground the weight and horizontal force of a roof, vault or dome. The balancing forces allow the construction of grander, taller and more elaborate buildings. By diverting the weight of the roof away from the walls, the walls could be made thinner and more windows installed providing the buildings with an abundance of natural light. As well as serving a functional purpose, flying buttresses are also decorative in nature featuring ornate designs.

The Pointed Arch

When we think of Gothic architecture, the pointed arch is probably what first comes to mind. As with many of the features of this style, the pointed arch is as much functional as aesthetic. Its shape distributed the force of ceilings, transferring weight onto columns and other load bearing supports, freeing up the walls. The stronger arches allowed for vertical expansion, being built tall to reach up to the heavens, with their design emphasising the height of the building.

The Vaulted Ceiling

The ribbed vault was popular in Gothic architecture due to the reduced need for inner load-bearing walls, allowing the interior space to be opened up. Ribbed vaults are composed of a framework of crossed or diagonal arched ribs and they were added to the Romanesque barrel vault to increase the transfer of loads to the ground. Ribbed vaulted ceilings can cover vast spaces and provide visual symmetry.

Tracery

Tracery involves the division of windows into sections of various sizes and shapes by stone frames or moulding. Tracery in the Gothic period increased the amount of glass panelling to allow more natural light and usually featured lancet or oculus patterns. A lancet window is narrow with a pointed arch whereas the oculus or rose is circular, almost like a wheel with radiating stone spokes.

Stained Glass

Large stained-glass windows were prevalent in Gothic cathedrals, showcasing a kaleidoscope of colours and patterns as well as detailed biblical scenes. The large windows allowed more dazzling natural light to enter the building.

Ornate design

Gothic architecture was revolutionary in its incorporation of aesthetic values. No longer were buildings purely functional, they had architectural merit and beauty in their own right. As the appreciation for architectural beauty grew, more ambitious and ornate designs came to fruition.

Famous examples of Gothic architecture

Chartres Cathedral

Chartres Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, described as “the high point of French Gothic Art.” It is well preserved with the majority of the original stained-glass windows surviing intact and only minor changes having been carried out to the architecture since the early 13th century.

Cologne Cathedral

Cologne Cathedral is a dramatic example of Gothic architecture and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.  It is the tallest twin-spired church in the world and Germany’s most visited landmark.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey sits just west of the Palace of Westminster and is the traditional place of the coronation and burial of British monarchs.

Notre-Dame de Paris

Considered to be one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture in the world, Notre-Dame is one of the most widely recognised landmarks in Paris.  After a devastating fire in 2019, restoration of the cathedral is hoped to be completed by Spring 2024 in time for the Paris Summer Olympics.

Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury Cathedral is one of the oldest and most famous Christian buildings in England and forms part of a World Heritage Site.

Although founded in 597, the cathedral was rebuilt in the 1070s and again in the 12th century following a fire.

Seville Cathedral

Completed in the early 16th century, Seville Cathedral is the fourth largest church in the world and the largest Gothic Church.  It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

Defining features of Victorian Houses

Terraces

As more people relocated from the countryside to the city or suburbs to meet the increased demand for workers, terrace houses were built.  They maximised space and efficiency; one house design would be repeated using identical features.   Despite the small footprint, Victorian houses are generally well proportioned, offering a comfortable living space with high ceilings.  Of course, not all Victorian houses are terraces, the emerging middle and upper classes at the time were more likely to have lived in large semi-detached houses and grand Victorian mansions.

Fireplaces

Most, if not all rooms in a Victorian house would have had a fireplace, as they provided the only form of heating.  Surrounds could be wood, stone or marble and many fireplaces were adorned with patterned tiles.  Sadly, as Victorian properties fell out of favour in the 1960s and 1970s, many fireplaces were ripped out, but thanks to a contemporary appreciation for Victorian features, a lot are being reinstated or sympathetically restored.

Sash and Bay Windows

With the arrival of plate glass in 1832, windows in Victorian houses were larger than their Georgian predecessors; 6 or 4 paned vertical sliding sash windows as opposed to the smaller 6 by 6 Georgian windows.  Homes would often have bay windows at the front of the house, creating architectural interest and providing large amounts of natural light.

Moulding

The intricacy and quality of moulding was related to the status of the household and was an important feature of Victorian homes.  Moulding details you will spot in Victorian houses include ceiling roses which were designed to catch the smoke from gas lights, cornices, dado rails and sometimes panelling.

Porches

It’s common to see porches on the front of Victorian houses, marking the main entrance.  They range from enclosed brick or stone porches to open timber porches which could be glazed or part-glazed.  Smaller properties would have a sheltered area over the front door, whereas grander houses would have more elaborate porches with carvings and steps.

Floor tiles

Porches and hallways often contain floor tiles, most commonly in terracotta, black and geometric, repeating patterns.  Tiles were practical and easy to keep clean at a time when the link between health and hygiene was starting to be more fully understood.

Small kitchens

Kitchens in Victorian houses, particularly in terrace houses are usually small and situated at the back of the house, projecting from the main building.  The Victorians would have presented the reception rooms to the public, keeping the kitchen out of view.  This is one of the big differences between Victorian and modern houses.  We now treat the kitchen as the heart of the home, a place to socialise and enjoy cooking and dining.  In Victorian times kitchens were considered to be the domain of the servants for the wealthy and not a source of enjoyment or pride.  Many Victorian homes have been extended, offering more practical spaces for modern requirements.

Victorian houses are a defining feature of our landscape and their popularity means that they can command between 10 and 15% more money than their modern counterparts when up for sale, particularly if they possess original features.

Many Victorian homes have been sympathetically brought into the 21st century, offering a balance between modern living and historical character.

Quadriga offer a CPD presentation on identifying common defects in Victorian homes and how to address these issues.  We will update on when we are able to present our CPDs in house again but if you would like to learn more or request any information please get in touch.

Many things have changed over the decades but Manchester’s Christmas spirit has always remained the same.  Arguably the biggest difference has been seen this year with the relocation of Santa aka Zippy from Manchester Town Hall to Trafford Park as the town hall undergoes full restoration.

Manchester Town Hall 1932

Lewis’s Department Store (Now Primark) 1949

Carol Concert at Piccadilly Gardens 1958

Market Street 1962

Albert Square 1970

Piccadilly Gardens 1984

Town Hall Clock 1986

Arndale Centre 1987

Christmas lights at the Town Hall 1991

Albert Square 1992

Christmas lights at the Town Hall 2004

Manchester Town Hall 2018

Santa’s relocation to Kellogg’s, Trafford Park 2019

St Peter’s Square 2019

(Images: Manchester Local Image Archive (images.manchester.gov.uk)

Take a tour around Quarry Bank Mill

Quarry Bank in Cheshire is one of the best preserved textile mills of the industrial revolution and has been beautifully decorated for the festive season. You can take a tour through the apprentice house to discover how Christmas would been experienced by those who lived and worked there, followed by a recreation of a Georgian Christmas in Quarry Bank House.

Find out more here

Enjoy Christmas Carols at Bramall Hall

The beautiful Tudor Manor House in Stockport has a packed programme of Christmas concerts coming up, which include a mince pie and mulled wine as well as the opportunity to tour the festively decorated hall.

Find out more here

Take in the lights and sights at Dunham Massey

Built in 1616, Dunham Massey Hall and parkland in Trafford is a stunning place to visit all year round. However, it is truly special around Christmas time when seasonal trails, illuminated by immersive light installations really bring the place to life.

Find out more here

Visit a fairytale mansion at Tatton Park

Fairytales are brought to life this year at Tatton Park as the mansion is transformed into an enchanting Christmas wonderland. Tatton Park is one of the UK’s most complete historic estates, with the neoclassical Tatton Hall designated as a Grade I listed building.

Find out more here

Listen to Christmas stories at Lyme Park

The house at Lyme Park in Disley is also a designated Grade I listed building and this Christmas you can visit it in all its grandeur as its rooms are transformed with festive decorations. You can discover the stories and history of the Legh family who were in possession of the estate from 1388 until 1946 when it was given to the National Trust.

Find out more here

Conservation and restoration of historic buildings can be a daunting topic so the morning will consist of heritage themed seminars aimed to educate and share best professional practice in a relaxed and social environment.

The presenters are all leaders in their industry:

• Tom Brigden & Alex Holton – Associates at Purcell

• David Bewley – Commercial Manager at Concrete Preservation Technologies

• Jon Wilson – Director at Darwen Terracotta

• Jonathan Thurlbeck – Sales Manager at Remmers

• Lindsay Law – Commercial Director at Quadriga Contracts

If you or your colleagues have an interest in or are responsible for the restoration and maintenance of historic buildings this will be perfect for you.  Plus, you will receive 4 hours of formal CPD training with certificates provided.

The morning is absolutely free of charge with tea and coffee provided and plenty of time for questions and networking.

When?

Tuesday 9th April, 8am-12.30pm

Where?

thestudio…

7 Cannon Street

Birmingham

B2 5EP

We’re down to the last few tickets so if you haven’t already, reserve below;

Reserve my space

Please feel free to share this event with others within your organisation and get in touch with any queries.

We hope to see you there!

The main characteristics of neoclassical architecture are:

• Grandeur of scale – buildings tend to be large and imposing
• Simple geometric forms
• A focus on symmetry
• Repetition of elements such as windows and doors
• Greek or Roman style detailing
• Dramatic use of columns
• Expanses of blank wall space
• Long sequences of columns called colonnades
• The use of rotundas – buildings with a circular ground plan often covered by a dome
• The use of porticoes – a porch leading to building entrance, often supported by columns
Notable neoclassical structures in Britain:

• Somerset House, London
• Buckingham Palace, London
• Bank of England Building, Liverpool
• Most buildings on Grey Street in Newcastle
• Manchester Central Library
• Birmingham Town Hall