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The Hospice - Ansty

Extensive rebuilding and conservation of mason

Reputed to have been originally built as a hospice for returning crusaders, this building had been used as a barn for many years. The roof had been lowered and the gables taken down; many of the original mullioned windows had been altered and blocked up and the stonework was in poor condition. Internally, there were a few areas of remaining decorative plaster.

Approval was sought and granted by English Heritage to restore it to its original design and this was carried out by Nimbus during the summer of 2001.

The most substantial part of the work involved taking down the gables to below springing level and then rebuilding them to full height and thickness using Chilmark stone. This involved some 60 tons of stone which had to be constructed according to the original course pattern.

Extensive masonry repairs were carried out to the windows and doors and several new windows were made – this included setting out, sourcing suitable stone and then working it on site to the original profile.

A completely new roof was constructed from green oak by Carpenter Oak and Woodland who worked as sub contractor to Nimbus. Internally, the plasterwork was conserved by careful grouting, the walls were pointed and lime washed and the uneven floor surface was repaired and compacted with a mud mix.

Client: Private