As we strive to preserve architectural treasures like Ludlow Castle for future generations, one venerable craft stands tall in its role as a guardian of our architectural legacy: stonemasonry. With its timeless techniques and unwavering dedication to craftsmanship, stonemasonry serves as the backbone of historic building conservation, allowing us to safeguard the physical and cultural identity of our ancestors while fostering a connection between our present and the past.
We have recently carried out some restoration work on a window in the Great Hall, and Tudor Lodgings in the ‘Northern Range’ part of the Castle. Jobs such as these require specialist skills, but we are fortunate to work with great team of experts, including Chris James Stonemasonry. We took this opportunity to shine a spotlight on Chris’ work and learn how this ancient artform breathes life into the castle’s walls.
Image: Work being carried out on the Great Hall Window
What inspired you to go into the profession of stonemasonry?
My father was a general builder but worked on a lot of older buildings and I took an interest especially when he did masonry work.
Tell us a little about what goes into a project such as this replacement window – who else do you need to work or consult with?
After securing the project we work alongside the Conservation Architect, English Heritage or Cadw, Archaeologist’s and Ecologists We programme the work to fit in with the Client and the relevant parties. Some projects are more weather dependent than others especially when working with lime mortar in the colder months.
When ordering stone for a project such as this, the type, colour and finish of the stone has to be agreed before ordering from the quarry and the time delay for the processing of the sawn stone has to be factored in.
Accurate profiles and measurements of the existing masonry have to be carried out well before the ordering of any materials. This is why you often see scaffolding up for a long period of time and only see people working from the scaffold towards the end of the contract.
Image: Detailing on the Great Hall Window
What do you enjoy most about working on historic buildings and monuments such as Ludlow Castle
I enjoy the uniqueness of each project and the different challenges that each one brings. I particularly enjoy the whole masonry process from detailing the stones, working the stones in the workshop and fixing the stones in place.
What are the trickiest parts of the Castle to work on, and why?
Each part of the castle has its own issues.
What is your favourite stone to work with?
Most stone, but any of the Bath stones are preferable due to them being relatively soft – and the sharp detailing that you can achieve when masoning.
You can see the magnificent stonework of Ludlow Castle for yourself – we’re open from 10.00am until 4.00pm daily. Always double check our opening times for any changes.
