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Old Royal Naval College
Fabric Conservation
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At Maritime Greenwich, the Old Royal Naval College unfolded as a place layered with history. Long before its classical façades took shape, the site had been home to the Palace of Placentia, a 15th-century royal residence rebuilt by Henry VII and birthplace to Henry VIII, Mary I, and Elizabeth I. After the upheaval of the English Civil War, the palace fell away, replaced by a vision of ordered grandeur designed by some of England’s greatest architects.
Client
Greenwich Foundation for the Old Royal Naval College
Location
London
Grade listing
Grade I
Fabric
Stucco
Lead
A Long Commitment to Care
Over a twelve-year period, DBR provided historic fabric conservation services across the Old Royal Naval College estate under a Term Maintenance Contract. Through a carefully planned programme of preventative maintenance, attention was given to both the external and internal fabric of the Scheduled Monuments, ensuring gradual wear was addressed before it became loss.
Stone, Cleaned with Restraint
One of the most significant phases of work took place at the Queen Mary Building. Here, intricate masonry cleaning and repairs were undertaken using a range of conservation techniques. DOFF steam cleaning gently lifted soiling from masonry surfaces, JOS cleaning was employed on cornices, and delicate areas were treated by hand poulticing. Repairs followed with precision, restoring cohesion without erasing age.
Across the Estate
The work extended far beyond a single building. Throughout the ORNC estate, DBR applied specialist cleaning methods, including Jos, Thermatech, poultice, and laser cleaning to preserve stonework across varied conditions. Stone replacement, joinery repairs, lead roof works, and structural strengthening were carried out where needed, each intervention tailored to its setting.
Roofs, Floors, and Finishes
At the King Charles Building and the Painted Hall, entire roofs were replaced and advanced drainage repairs undertaken using traditional materials such as sand-cast lead. Elsewhere, DBR carried out specialist paint conservation, metalwork decoration, historic floor repairs, and the renewal of lead and slate roofing. Gutters to the King Charles roof were fully rebuilt, quietly restoring performance to these complex roofscapes
Working in a Living World Heritage Site
As a major tourist destination and active academic environment, the estate demanded constant balance. Public access, alongside the daily operations of Trinity Conservatoire and Greenwich University, continued throughout the works. Every stage was meticulously overseen by Historic England, with standards reflecting the significance of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Completed over more than a decade, DBR’s work at the Old Royal Naval College showcases long‑term dedication to conservation. Specialist craftsmanship and advanced methods protected this architectural landmark, honouring its past, strengthening its present and safeguarding its future.
