Façade Restoration
Hadlow
Tower
Vivat Trust
Mansell PLC
Hadlow, Kent
Instructed to repair and conserve this unique, Grade I*, late 18th century Gothic tower back to its historic architectural splendour using a natural cement in keeping with the original mortar.
Following an extensive sampling process to achieve a match of the original mortar the reinstatement of missing detailing could begin. Using traditional trade skills mouldings were hand run which due to the quick set of the natural cement could be completed in a matter of hours.
In keeping with the original construction, intricate pre-cast units were manufactured to replace missing and damaged items. In the region of 2000 individual pieces were produced making up finials, rosettes, pinnacles and splashes.
The reconstructed Lantern is topped with decorative pinnacles over 3 metres high, at its base is the public viewing platform. The new structural brickwork was built using lime mortars in keeping with the existing construction. In addition to the external restoration Paye also carried out internal lime plastering of the new accommodation spaces.
Hadlow Tower is the tallest folly of its kind in the UK
175ft
Taller than Nelson’s column