Martens Tower,   Chepstow Castle

Conservation of masonry and 13th century plaster

Martens Tower dominates the SE corner of the lower Bailey of Chepstow Castle. Building accounts allow us to date the tower to between 1287 - 93, the final year of which includes payments for the daubing and painting of the New hall.

Suprisingly, this ruined tower still has remains of the paint schemes in the hall, first and second floor chambers. Work Nimbus is currently undertaking involves cleaning, repairs and pointing to the sandstone corbels, dressed doorways and window openings. As well as consolidation of the plaster remains with lime grout, repairs and edge pointing, replacing the earlier cementitious work.

On the second floor area the remaining plaster is more complete than below so the fragmented patches are being drawn together with large blocks of lime plaster. These will be limewashed in a compatible colour with the original to help bring areas together which will help the visiting publics understanding of this remarkable medieval interior.

Client: CADW
Architect: Rick Turner