Historic Churches 2023

14 BCD SPECIAL REPORT ON H ISTOR I C CHURCHE S 30th ANNUAL ED ITION maintained. They must be capable of matching the colour, texture, and finish of the new stones to the existing ones. The process of stonemasonry involves not only cutting and shaping stones but also carving intricate details such as gargoyles, corbels and capitals which takes many years to master. For this reason, the shortage of stonemasons with these skills is a growing problem. Many stonemasons who were trained in the traditional methods have retired and there has been a decline in the number of apprenticeships offered in this field in recent years. As a result many historic structures are at risk of decay and deterioration. Traditional joinery is another skill that is vital to the conservation and maintenance of historic places of worship. Traditional joiners are responsible for sympathetically repairing and replacing timber elements in these structures, such as doors, windows and roof trusses. They must be able to create custom pieces that match the original design and fit seamlessly with the existing structure. Unfortunately, there is a similar shortage of skilled traditional joiners. The lack of training opportunities for young people has resulted in a reliance on modern techniques and materials, which can compromise the authenticity of the historic structure. Leadwork is also an essential skill required for the conservation and maintenance of historic places of worship. Buildings without fully functioning roofs are not happy buildings, leading to water ingress and damp issues. Lead remains the most popular traditional material used for roofing and flashing on historic structures, and it requires specialised skills to repair and replace it. Lead workers must be able to cut, shape, and solder lead sheets, ensuring that the joints are watertight and secure. These skills take many years to consistently achieve correctly. As with masonry and joinery, the shortage of lead workers with these skills is also a growing concern. This has resulted in a highly competitive market and, in some cases, reliance on contractors who may not have the necessary skills or experience to work on historic structures. In addition to these core traditional craft skills, the conservation and maintenance of historic places of worship also require expertise in areas such as conservation science, archaeology and heritage management. Conservators use scientific methods to analyse and understand the materials and structures Stone mason at the banker in Gloucester Cathedral works department 2021 Canterbury Cathedral re-roof, as part of the Canterbury Journey Project 2021, showing an excellent example of well understood and executed leadwork installation Stained-glass conservation showing 13th-century medieval glazing in need of specialist treatment