The refurbishment of one of Boston’s most historic buildings is progressing well, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Shodfriars Hall, a grade II* listed building thought to date from the fifteenth century, is benefitting from structural repairs and renovations, including recent works to the chimney stacks.
Scorer Hawkins Architects have been able to return the chimney stacks back to their original form, in line with the vision of the building’s architect Sir George Gilbert Scott. This has been achieved by working with a specialist British brick manufacturer The Bulmer Brick and Tile Company who has remade the cant (angled /shaped) bricks with expert masons Trent Heritage carrying out the rebuilding work using a specially formulated lime mortar matching the original mortar composition.
In addition, the work on the roof and the exterior is almost complete, and a bespoke hanging lantern will be installed soon. The decoration reinstates the original paint scheme which was uncovered during the works, repainting the detail in a deep red for the first time in many years.
The scaffolding is expected to be taken down in the spring, and people will then be able to fully see the improvements that have taken place.
The work at Shodfriars has been attracting interest, and just before Christmas, students from Boston College’s Level 1 Brickwork and Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery visited Shodfriars to see the restoration underway.
During the visit, Hannah Mayhew from Heritage Lincolnshire and Chris Bowen from Scorer Hawkins Architects guided the students through the site, explaining the specialist processes involved in restoring a historic building. The visit gave the students a great insight into heritage skills in regeneration.
The Shodfriars works are supported by the Towns Fund and are part of Boston Town Board’s wider programme of investment – working with Heritage Lincolnshire – in the external repair and renovation of historic buildings in the town centre.
Chris Bowen, Director, Scorer Hawkins Architects said: “This is hopefully the first step in a journey to bring Shodfriars into the heart of the Cultural Quarter of Boston. Our focus is to carry out high quality conservation work with our highly skilled team who are doing an excellent job of sensitive repairs using traditional materials and techniques; informed by specialist analysis, historic evidence and best practice.”
Claire Foster, Interim Chair of Boston Town Board said: “It really is fantastic to see the progress of the sensitive work that is being carried out to restore and repair Shodfriars, respecting its significant heritage.
“Shodfriars Hall is an important historical building and one which was at risk – this project is giving it a new lease of life.
“The Board is proud to be playing a part in enhancing the town centre through this project and through investment in other historic buildings.”
Improvements to the
chimney stack
Work on
the decor
Scaffolding is expected to come down in spring
Boston College students with Chris Bowen