An amazing discovery was made during the works on site at a pub project we’re currently working on. Careful removal of layers of plasterboard inside an outbuilding has revealed a mid-sixteenth century roof structure over a section of the building. An incredible survival for such a humble vernacular building.

Unfortunately, the historic timbers were struggling under the weight of the roof above. To make them load-bearing again would have meant major repairs and the loss of a significant amount of the original fabric of the building. Working closely with the Conservation Officer, we revised our scheme to sit a new roof structure above the historic one, leaving the old timbers exposed within the dining space below.

The result will be a rare surviving structure that remains visible and legible, with minimal intervention to the historic fabric. 

The works on site to install the new roof are currently progressing and the building will be open for the pub’s busy Christmas season!