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Farnborough Abbey - Crypt Stone
Repairs & Cleaning
Farnborough Abbey is a site rich in architectural and ecclesiastical heritage, with a history that reflects centuries of religious life, craftsmanship, and careful stewardship. As with many historic abbeys, its fabric has evolved over time, shaped by periods of change, restoration, and preservation aimed at safeguarding its original character. Among its most significant surviving features are its historic windows, which not only provide light to the interior but also embody the artistry and techniques of earlier generations of craftsmen. It is within this context of layered history and architectural significance that DBR undertook a sensitive programme of conservation, ensuring these important elements of the Abbey’s heritage are protected for the future.
Client
Monastery of St. Michael’s Abbey
Dates
2023
Location
Farnborough
Grade listing
Grade I
Fabric
Glass
Timber
Carefully dismantling a historic window legacy
At Farnborough Abbey, DBR undertook a carefully phased programme of historic window conservation to ensure that the delicate glazing could be restored while maintaining the protection and integrity of the Abbey. The works were planned in groups of three windows at a time, with each set carefully removed and transported to the specialist workshop for a detailed eight-week restoration programme before being returned and reinstalled on site.
Restoring craftsmanship within the workshop
Once in the workshop, each glazing section was carefully dismantled, with all historic glass cleaned and defective panes replaced where necessary to match the existing fabric. The associated ironwork was treated and redecorated to arrest deterioration and improve longevity. Existing ventilators were replaced with new units to the original design, complete with fully operational pulley mechanisms to ensure they remained both functional and sympathetic to the historic appearance of the windows.
Protecting the abbey during the works
While the windows were removed for conservation, temporary full timber infills were installed to protect the interior from water ingress and maintain the weather-tightness of the building. Access to the works was carefully managed through the use of independent internal scaffolding and external mobile tower scaffolds, allowing the specialist team to safely remove and reinstate the historic glazing.
Returning strength to historic fabric
Upon reinstatement, additional copper ties were introduced to strengthen the glazing assemblies and support their long-term stability. Through this considered programme of conservation, DBR preserved the original character of the Abbey’s historic windows while ensuring their continued performance for years to come.
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