CONTEXT The Association of Conservation Officers No 38 June 1993 SPECIALFEATURE:FIREDAMAGE Stone cleaning: a professional view More on Ecclesiastical Exemption
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CONTEXT No38 June 1993 ISSN: 0958-2746 Editor Published for the Association Bob Kindred (Ipswich Borough Council, Tel: 0473 262934, Fax: 0473 262974) of Conservation Officers by Hall-McCartney Ltd, PO Box 21, Unit 7, Campus 5, The Business Park, Letchworth 4 Henley Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP! 3SF, Tel: 0473 259441 SG6 2JF, Tel: 0462 675848, Fax: 0462 679356 Assistant Editor Gus Astley (Bath City Council Tel: 0225461111 ext 2549, Fax: 0225 448536) Annual Subscription (inclusive of post & packing-UK only): £30.00 Single Copy: £10.00 Manor House, Wells Road, Hallatrow Bristol BS18 5EJ, Tel: 0761 453047 The views expressed in Context are nor necessarilythose held by the ACO or the publishers. Neither the publishers nor the ACO shall be under any liabilty whatsoever in respect of contributed articles. Context is published quarterly and is distributed to all members of the Association of Conservation Officers. © Association of Conservation Officers 1993 The products and servicesadvertised in this publication are not necessarilyendorsed by the Association. THE ASSOCIATION OF CONSERVATION OFFICERS Officers Cbairman: Chris Smith (Stroud Valleys Project Officer, l0AJohn Street, Stroud, Glos GL5 !DZ, Tel: 0453 753358) 24 Middle Street, Stroud, Glos GL5 2HA, Tel: 0453 753949 Vice Chairman: Maty King (Liverpool City Council, Tel: 051-225 5678) 24 Beech Road, Aughton, Ormskirk, Lanes L39 6SJ, Tel: 0695 424297 Secretary: Graham Steaggles (East Hampshire District Council, Tel: 0730 266551, Fax: 0730 267366) 54 Pulens Lane, Sheet, Petersfield, Hampshire GU31 4DD, Tel: 0730 266653 Treasurer: Peter Richards (Essex County Council, Tel: 0245 492211 ext 51511) 139 Lifstan Way, Thorpe Bay, Essex SSl 2XG, Tel: 0702 468252 Membership Secretary: James Ross (Essex County Council, Tel: 0245 492211 ext 51672) Three Bears, Laindon Common Road, Little Burstead, Essex CM12 9TL Education Officer: Mike King (TACP Design, CONTEXT 38 Tel: 051-708 7014) 24 Beech Road, Aughton, Ormskirk, Lancs.L39 6SJ, Tel: 0695 424297 Projects Officer: Dr Richard Morrice (English Heritage, Tel: 071-973 3132) lA Bloomsbury Place, Kemp Town, Brighton, Sussex BN2 IDA, Tel: 0273 623260 Publicity Officer: Alan Taylor (Staffordshire County Council, Tel: 0785 277282) 15 Village Gardens, Walton on the Hill, Stafford ST! 7 0LL Tel: 0785 664473 Council Minutes Secretary: Andrew Cooke (Enfield LBC, Tel: 081-967 9595) Branch Officers North: Keith Murray, Durham County Council, Tel: 091-383 3237 ext 2237 North West: Rob Burns, Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council, Tel: 051-691 8197 Yorkshire: Bob Scriven, 2 Lambert Avenue, Roundhay, Leeds LS8 lNH, Tel: 0532 668782 or Jane Jackson, City of York Tel: 0904 613161 West Midlands: Colin Richards, South Shropshire District Council, Tel: 0584 874941 or Dave Baxter, Hereford City Coucil, Tel: 0432 268121 East Midlands: Graham Beaumont, Nottinghamshire County Council, Tel: 0602 243060 South West: to be announced. South: Julia Smith, Buckinghamshire County Council, Tel: 0296 382823 East Anglia: John Preston, 90 Histon Road, Cambridge CB4 3JP. Tel: 0223 313486 (Cambridge City Council, Tel: 0223 358977 ext 2630) South East: John Davey, Guildford Borough Council, Tel: 0483 444660 London: Rosemarie MacQueen, City of Westminster, Tel: 071-798 2519 Scotland: Debbie Robertson, Edinburgh District Council, Tel: 031-225 2424 ext 6562 Wales: to be announced. Northern Ireland: to be announced. CONTENTS Editorial News Courses and events FIRE DAMAGE When the fire is over. Keith Weston Advanced warnings. Peter Moore Case Studies Fire damage at Marlborough High Street. Ian Lund Fire at Buxton Mill, Norfolk Clavering Guildhall. Judy Cligman M'Learned Friend. Implications of the Transport & Works Act 1992. Charles Mynors Supporting Columns. Structural aspects of fire damage. Brian Morton Sir Titus. The conflict between building conservation and shop front security. David Morton Stone cleaning: a professional view. James Simpson Case Srudy St Albans Corn Exchange restoration. Jane West Doors Open day. Mia Scott Conference Report London Conservation Area Conference. Hariet Hawkes 5 5 8 9 12 13 14 16 18 19 21 23 25 26 28 News from the Treadmill. David Lovie 29 Law & Practice The EcclesiasticalExemption: a storm in a chalice?.Penny Jewkes 30 The new Church of England legislation on care of churches. Richard Morrice 31 Novel justice revisited. John Preston 34 ACO Business News 35 ACO Branch News 36 Letters 42 Books 42 ILLUSTRATIONS IN THIS ISSUE Front cover: Fire in Ipswich. Photo: East Anglian Daily Times & Associated Papers. p5: Timber Framers Guild. Photo: Sarah Woodcock. p6.· Saumurez Manor, Guernsey. Photo: BT A. p7: Ipswich before the fire. Photo: Ipswich Historic Buildings Survey. p7: Birmingham Cathedral weathervane. Photo: Tony Evans/Lindford-Bridgeman Ltd. pp9-1 l: Fire damage. Photos: Keith Weston. pl3: Fire in Marlborough High Street. Photo: Kenner District Council. ppl5, 16: Buxton Mill. Photos: Purcell Miller Tritton & Partners. pi 7: Clavering Guildhall. Photo: Judy Cligman. p20: Little Braxted Mill and Gravesend High Street. Photos: Brian Morton. p25: St Albans Corn Exchange - before renovation. Photo: St Albans District Council; after renovation. Photo: St Albans Museums. p26, 27: Doors Open Day. Photos: Adam Swann (Dundee) and Liz Davidson (Glasgow). p34: Anstey Hall Farm. Photo: John Preston. p37: Bisham Abbey repairs. Photo: Julia Smith. p38: Dunimprovin. Photo: Richard Taylor. p47: Fireplace from Victorian Society leaflet on Fireplaces. 3
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EDITORIAL After chastising a fellow ACO member recently for supplying some less than satisfactory copy, I was rebuffed with the statement " ... well I am a full-time Conservation Officer you know!". I took this to imply that somehow the Editor of Contextwas not! That this issue appears at all will be a minor miracle. Having edited Context 36 from my hospital bed (acute appendicitis), I am preparing this one four days before moving house. Everything I have been told about the trauma of it seems to be true. For those outside the ACO, 4 All Saints Road must be viewed by some as a proper commercial operation. The postman seems to think so as he delivers over 30 Context related items a week. My wife regularly and patiently tells phone callers "No, these are not the Offices of Context - you can contact my husband at work" to which the reaction is occasionally stunned surprise. Please note my new address and allow for a short period of disruption. Normal service should be resumed in due course. PLEASENOTE THE EDITOR'S NEW ADDRESS IS 4 HENLEY ROAD, IPSWICH IPI 3SF FORTHCOMING ISSUES - DEADLINES AND THEMES The next issue, Autumn 1993, will deal with 'Conservation and Green Issues' and is likely to include matters such as the conflict between insulation, energy conservation and old buildings; and the use of non-toxic materials etc. COPY DEADLINE 22 JULY for posting out on 3 September. The Winter issue will cover 'Historic Paint! and Decorative Finishes', their identification, authentication, analysis, protection and re-creation. COPY DEADLINE 15 OCTOBER for posting out on 26 November. Other contributions, experiences, case studies are welcome at any time (space permitting). Please remember the injunction not to FAX copy unless in an emergency and that articles under 1,800 words are easier to accommodate. If you have a burning desire to see a particular theme covered in 1994, let us know. CONTEXT 38 From left to right, Ken Hume, Paul Price (Fine Frame Woodrights), CecilHewett, Nancy Wilkins (TFGNA), Scott Murray, Ed Levin, John Winterbottom (Timberwrights). MORE MARGINALIA Reference in Context 36 to a proposal for "Installation of Widows in Attic" reminded me of a situation that arose in this office several months ago. The conservation service efficiently defused a potentially difficult problem after the owner of a cottage wrote enquiring if consent was needed to paint the rear elevation with "Semtex". Ian Lund Conservation Officer Kennet District Council THE CONSERVATION PORTFOLIO In the June 1993 edition of the Portfolio are: DatawayBusiness ComputerSpecialist - Historic buildings administration system IbstockBuildingProductsLtd - Hathernware architectural terracotta OriginalBoxSashWindowCompany Manufacturers and installersof traditional windowswith modern benefits RAFfLtdRadio alarm foe technology VeluxLtdRoof windows and rooflightsfor traditional buildings and conservationareas BUILDING TIMBER BRIDGES Members of The Timber Framers Guild of North America (TFGNA) came to Britain for a week in January. The purpose of their visit was to see a selection of timber frames and timberframers and to give any help they could to those interested in forming a similar guild over here. On 27 January they came to Essex and met up with Cecil Hewett for a tour around Paycockes, Coggeshall and Cressing Temple Barns. Several British timberframers and myself joined the group to share ideas and return the hospitality given to some of us in the USA. The workmanship displayed in the buildings and the expert guidance of Cecil caused a lot of excitement and resulted in plans for further trips. This will no doubt have a good impact on bringing together timberframers in Britain as they start to formulate a group of their own. On 30 January a few timberframers and other interested parties, including myself representing the ACO, met to discuss the possibilities of forming a group here; many more will have to follow before there is any progress. However it was seen as a move in the right direction and potentially can lead to an improvement in the communication and exchange of information between timber framers and interested parties. Sarah Woodcock Sarah has recently movedfrom Essex CC to Newark DC Conservation Team 5
6 NEWS SAUSMAREZ MANOR An unusual arrangement is under consideration to repair and maintain the only stately home on Guernsey, which is also a major visitor attraction: Sausmarez Manor. The seat of the Seigneurs de Sausmarez has been held by the family since the mid 13th century; the present house which incorporates earlier builds is faced in grey granite. It was designed in 1714 and built over the next four years by John Andros. In early 1987 the house suffered grievously from the severest frost ever known on the island which killed all the exotic plants in the grounds, and burst all the pipes in the house. This was followed eight months later by the October hurricane which also devastated large areas of South East England. Unlike anywhere else in Britain, there were no State funds for repair or restoration. Faced with very extensive repairs, including re-roofing because of death-watch beetle, and the need to underpin a large collapsing, granite Tudor barn, the owner faced several difficult choices including selling up or creating a more commercial enterprise. Parts of the estate including the remaining stable cottage and some of the contents of the house including a painting by Thomas Whitcomb were sold, but the wedding suit of James II put up for auction at Christies had to be withdrawn. It became clear that urgent action was necessary and, as a result of public pressure and press coverage on the island, that some form of joint venture with the Ancient Monuments Committee of the States of Guernsey would be the only way forward. A potential answer to the problems posed by this building may come from a maintenance trust funded from a most unlikely source: telephones. Guernsey has on of the most modern systems in the world and in 1992 Guernsey Telecom made a surplus of £4M. The Advisory & Finance Committee, the island's treasury, set aside £2.8 M for projects of economic benefit to the island (including heritage management, recreation, tourism and long and short-term employment). Several options are under consideration, the most favoured of which is the formation of a Preservation Trust into which both public funds and private subscriptions can be made but which can then grant-aid renovation projects but enable owners to continue in residence thereby saving on costs of acquisition, administration or maintenance while enabling the essential residential character stemming from continuous occupation to be preserved. COMPETITION Many of you will have noticed that Eddie Booth's views were cut short in his "Over the Wall" article in Context 37. What was he about to say before we so rudely forgot to print it? Well, now is your opportunity to send in your version of the missing text. The best printable suggestion(s), together with the original missing text, will appear in the next issue of Context. Send your answers to Gus Astley at his home address (see page 3). We look forward to your response! The Editors PLEASENOTE THE EDITOR'S NEW ADDRESS IS 4 HENLEY ROAD, IPSWICH IPI 3SF MONARCH NOW WORKING FOR THE ROYALCOMMISSION MONARCH, the national database of England's architectural and archaeological heritage, was launched on 20 April. It is the most complex and comprehensive database of heritage information in the country, and will make it possible for the first time to have on-screen access to the information held by the National Monuments Record (NMR), which now contains more than 6 million items of information. MONARCH (MONuments and ARCHives) is the culmination of a twoyear development project aimed at providing the NMR's many users with enhanced access to heritage information. It is now possible for over 200 users in different locations to make detailed searches of a wide range of previously unconnected NMR archives and databases, running off a high-powered Solbourne computer. The MONARCH database will expand as the Commission's programme of work develops. The new Register of Maritime Sites will be added to MONARCH within the next year. It is hoped that a core element in the system's expansion will be the computerisation of the half-million national records of listed buildings, funding for which is dependent on a government feasibility study. MONARCH is currently online in the Commission's offices in York, Southampton, Swindon and London. The MONARCH system's ability to combine records of monuments with associated details of activities and archives marks an important step forward for such databases. The database includes an outline thesaurus and links to word processors for text preparation. It will eventually become possible to link the entire system to geographic information systems, so chat map-based search and display can be carried out. The system's uses will now include: D assisting government and English Heritage in policy decisions regarding conservation; D supplying local government with information for planning control purposes; D supporting conservation bodies such as the National Trust in the management of their properties; D providing information services to engineers, surveyors and architects; and D providing educational resources to college and school students. CONTEXT 38 7
COVER STORY Our dramatic cover photograph (courtesy of East Anglian Daily Times Newspapers) shows the loss of two fine listed buildings (one shown above) in one of the most historic streets in Ipswich. The Ancient House (Grade I and a Scheduled Ancient Monument) - the finest pargetted house in England - is just three buildings away on the extreme right. The fire which began accidentally is believed to have resulted from an electrical fault in a TV shop (where most of the flames are coming from), and shows the increasing importance of good on-site management, and the need for appropriate and effective detection and extinguishment equipment. Sadly, in this case, the two shops were a total loss and the sites are to be redeveloped. NEWS SHOPFRONT DESIGN GUIDES -ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES A well illustrated design guide in the form of two A4 fold-out leaflets has been produced by the Borough of Beverley. They make unusually extensive use of photography and explore the essential contribution of shopfronts in the town's character, examining what can be learnt from existing designs rather than attempting to prescribe what should be done. Copies are £1.50 (inc p&p) from Beverley BC Planning Department, The Hall, Lairgate, Beverley HUI 7 8HL. Tel: (0482) 882255. In Context 34, p.6 we reported on the designation of the centre of Antrim as Northern Ireland's 30th Conservation Area. As part of the Antrim Strategy, aimed at fostering civic pride, the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland has recently published a 24 page Design Supplement Incorporating Guidance on Shopfronts and Signs. It is thoroughly illustrated in colour and provides the criteria against which all applications for development within the Conservation Area will be judged. Copies are £2.00 (inc p&p) from DoE(NI), Town & Country Planning Service, County Hall, 182 Galgorm Road, Ballymena BT42 1QF Tel: (0266) 65333. The weathervane and 3.5 tonne cupola have recently been restored and returned to the tower of Birmingham Cathedral by Linford-Bridgeman Ltd. Repairs were required after a structural survey revealed dangerousinstability resultingftom severedecay of the solid oak supporting columns. These have now been replacedwith laminated oak columns. The Boar's Head originatesftom the coat of arms of Sir Richard Gough, who successfully petitioned GeorgeI for financial assistancewith the building of the tower. An unusual feature is the Boar's tongue which is articulated so that it moves in and out as the wind blows. ICOMOS CONFERENCE ICOMOS UK World Heritage Conference 22-24 September 1993; Venue: University of Newcastle upon Tyne. The concept and practice of World Heritage over 21 years will be reviewed with particular reference to cultural designation, especially in the light of current developments. Speakers will include members of the World Heritage Committee and ICOMOS in the UK, Canada, Thailand, Australia and Tunisia. Visits will include Durham Cathedral and Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Sites. Cost £190.00 (residential), £80.00 (non-residential). Programme and other details from: Dept of Archaeology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NEJ 7RU Tel: 091-222 7844. CASTLEAD?CHOOSTEHEBEST Mldland Lead Manufacturers Limited Hilltop Works Woodhouse Street Woodville, Burton-on-Trent Staffs DE11 8ED CONTEXT 38 For nearly a decade Cast Lead Sheet from Midland Lead Manufacturers has been specified for roofing, flashing and detail work, and has been laid on a very wide range of new and refurb projects. MLM Lead - SPECIFIED for its traditional qualities and enduring aesthetic appeal, the material is covered by Agreement Certificate 86/1764. MLM Lead - CHOSEN by contractors for its excellent creep resistance and good handling qualities on site. MLM Lead - STOCKED by leading merchants because it is always keenly priced and constantly in demand. Supplied in BS Code weights and any width up to 1400mm. For further information and current prices and literature telephone or fax: Tel: 0283 224555 Fax: 0283 550284 7
8 COURSES AND EVENTS WITNEY EXHIBITION An exhibition of Historic Building Conservation is being held at Cogges Manor Farm Museum, Witney, Oxfordshire on 17-18 July (12.0017.30pm). Organised by Oxfordshire CC and the District Council Conservation Officers, there will be demonstrations of building crafts; trade stalls; advice and exhibits on specialist products and services; a bookstall; displays by national and local conservation organisations together with appropriate live entertainment and "traditional food & drink"[!]. Further details from Sally Stradling, Conservation Officer at Cherwell District Council. Tel: (0295) 252535 ext 4918. CONSERVING CHARACTER University of East Anglia - Conserving Local Character by Design: 30 June 1993; Venue: North Norfolk District Council, Holt Road, Cromer, Norfolk. Eligible for RTPI and RICS CPD. Examines the arguments about erosion of local character through unsympathetic design of new buildings and alterations. Is conservation of local character for some the unwarranted intrusion into freedom of action for others? Speakers will include both practitioners and informed lay people. A field trip will be included. Organised by the Centre for East Anglian Studies. Cost £45.00. Programme and other details from: Short Course Development Office. The Registry, UEA, FREEPOST, Norwich NR4 7BR. Tel: (0603) 592210. PRACTICALCOURSES As was the case in 1992, Practical Courses in Building Conservation are again being organised by David Alexander ARICS and Ian Pritchett BSc in and around vernacular buildings at Binfield Heath, between Henley-onThames and Reading. Various day courses are still available for the second half of the year and may be eligible for CPD. They are: Infill Panels for Timber Framed Buildings' (30 June); 'Damp Proofing Old Buildings' (28 July); 'Vernacular Building Repairs' (16 June); 'Earth and Cob Walling' (11 August); 'Flint Laying' (25 August); and 'Thatching' (8 September). Cost is between £65.00 and £75.00 (+VAT). Further information from: Practical Courses in Building Conservation, Hollow Tree Cottage, Bin.field Heath, Oxfordshire RG9 4LR. Tel: (0734) 462697. REPAIRSNOTICESIN ACTION A joint ACO/ APT Day School on use of Repairs Notices in Action will be held on Saturday 17 July in Great Yarmouth. It will be of interest to Conservation Officers, Councillors and Building Preservation Trusts and will examine how Repairs Notices work to save Buildings-at-Risk; BPT support for local authority action; and the AHF's loan support for repair. A visit to a successfully CPO' d building being repaired by Great Yarmouth BPT will follow the seminar. Speakers will include Bob Kindred of ACO on Repairs Notices in Practice - the national situation; Steve Earl, Great Yarmouth Conservation Officer, with the local case study of a Repairs Notice followed by CPO and BPT repair; Maria Perks, AHF Development Officer, on the AHF as a source of finance; Malcolm Crowder, Chairman of APT, on working with BPTs; and Ann Rostron, Norwich City Conservation Officer, and Malcolm Crowder on the partnership between local authorities and BPTS. Cost £15.00 including lunch and refreshments. Bookings to the Seminar administrator - Heather Lyon, Great Yarmouth Borough Council. Tel: 0493 856418, by Monday 12 July. For more information: Steve Earl on 0493 856419. OLD BUT EFFICIENT On Friday 1 October 1993 an all-day conference 'Energy efficiency in Older Buildings' promoted by the Professions Energy Management Group and supported by the Energy Efficiency Office is to be held at Bramshill Police College, near Hardey Wintney, Hants. Details from Barry Lennox, RIBA Southern Region Secretary. Tel: (042058) 7393. FRAMINGOPINIONSFURTHERINITIATIVES Since its launch in April 1991, the Framing Opinions initiative, designed to protect historic windows and doors from unnecessary and inappropriate replacement, has, English Heritage calculates, reached over 40 million people - house owners as well as professionals. But much still needs to be done. EH has now secured sufficient financial resources to enable it to capitalise on this success. Accordingly, since January 1993 I have been working as the new Projects Consultant in the Architectural Conservation branch. My initial responsibility has been managing and developing the Framing Opinions campaign - the publication of Framing Opinions leaflets and the production of new Framing Opinions exhibitions being among my first priorities. However, in the future I will be initiating new campaigns on other key aspects of building conservation, including timber decay and brick and stone pointing. From June onwards we will be able to offer an expanding series of free Framing Opinions leaflets, dealing with single issues from draughtproofing to metal windows. These will be mailed to every Conservation Officer; more copies will be available on request from EH. We will also have two new Framing Opinions exhibitions, available for any local authority to borrow - free. We would prefer, however, that the loan of these stands is tied in to a regional oneday Framing Opinions conference, hosted by one authority but involving professionals and public from other districts in the county. English Heritage can provide most of the speakers - again at no charge. All the district has to do is host the day and to provide any local speakers you feel are relevant. Organising a supportive exhibition of relevant suppliers to accompany the conference can, it has been proved in the past, help pay for the day's catering and venue. To book the exhibition, to discuss the possibilities of a local conference or to make any other enquiries in connection with the campaign, please give me a ring on the Framing Opinions number (071973 3666), or write to me at English Heritage, Room 520, Keysign House, 429 Oxford Street, London WlR 2HD. Steven Parissien STEELFRAMES As part of the Framing Opinions campaign, English Heritage, in connection with the Steel Window Association, is running a major, one-day conference on 15 September on "Metal Windows -their development and conservation". Held at the Scientific Societies Lecture Room at 23 Savile Row, London Wl, the day will include talks on the history of, the threats to, and ways of repairing and replicating metal windows. Cost £25.00 includes coffee, tea and lunch. Details from Dr Steven Parissien, English Heritage, Room 520, Keysign House, 429 Oxford Street, London WlR 2HD. Tel: 071-973 3666. CONTEXT 38
FIREDAMAGE WHEN THE FIREIS OVER Keith Weston explores the role of the structural engineer after the fire. It is a tragedy whenever a fire damages an historic building but as soon as the fire is extinguished the actions that are taken are often critical for the retention of the historic fabric that remains. There are many problems to be resolved after the fire but the structural problem is of prime importance and usually determines the pattern of what is saveable. All too often the initial reaction to a fire damaged structure is extensive or complete demolition on the grounds of safety. Invariably demolition is not the only option and the correct advice given at the early stage when decisions are still being formulated can influence the fate of the building. It is therefore important that the professionals and specialists involved in the future of a fire damaged historic building are experienced in the field of conservation, with the necessary sympathetic approach and concern for retention wherever practicable. Experience of fire damaged buildings and the techniques available to save the structure, and the ability when necessary to make structural evaluations and CONTEXT 38 decisions on site without recourse to lengthy calculations, are therefore vital attributes for the structural engineer involved in the retention of a damaged building. It is essential that the engineer is on site as quickly as possible to assess the situation so that unnecessary demolition is avoided, and that the all important making safe and protecting from the weather can be planned and instigated as rapidly as possible. The first action is to assess the safety and stability of the surviving structure and respond to any deficiencies as soon as possible. The assessment will have to be done from positions where the engineer can obtain the maximum preliminary information without threatening his own welfare. Safe areas adjoining a fire damaged area are utilised as much as possible but an hydraulic hoist or a cage slung from a crane may have to be used. Having already familiarised themselves with the building the fire brigade can often indicate those areas where safe access is possible. In some instances where building work is a cause of the fire a builder's scaffold is already in position and can be used with care, for inspection purposes. It may have to be accepted that Photo 1: PriorPark. Debris-coveredfloor. there cannot be access into some parts of a building until a later time when the connecting areas have been made safe. The preliminary inspection will indicate those elements of the building that clearly cannot be retained and partial demolition for reasons for safety then becomes necessary. Unfortunately there are occasions where some demolition will already have been undertaken by the fire brigade, or sanctioned by the Building Control Officer, before the engineer has an opportunity to inspect the building. From the information obtained from this first inspection a programme of what has to be done to make the building safe can be developed, bearing in mind that as the work progresses the sequence and nature of the work is likely to have to be revised as problems are uncovered. Removing loose debris from within the building normally begins at the highest level and then progresses downwards, whereas propping generally begins from the lowest sound level. Floors that carry debris (photo I) but are not seriously damaged by the fire will probably also have to be propped as a 9
10 Top left: Photo2: KensingtonPalaceGardens;debris on ledgesand wall tops. Centre left: Photo3: memberswedgedin walls cantileveringout. Bottom left: Photo4: Sheetand battened barn, Doughton, Gloucs. Above: Photo5: Scaffoldingwith roofand side sheetingprotectingbuildings. precaution. Before any work begins it is important to co-ordinate the structural requirements with any recording or archaeological work that needs to be done. Stabilising unsafe elements by shoring and propping may need· the prompt removal of debris which can conflict with recording work and the archaeological need to carefully remove some debris. Some areas may not be accessible until loose debris on ledges and wall tops above the area has been removed (photo 2), or until unsafe elements such as the remains of the ends of members, wedged in walls and cantilevering out (photo 3), or seriously damaged structural members have been secured. At all stages safety must be the key consideration. The structure will have a high level of moisture from the fire fighting. To minimise the long term damage from moisture it is essential to protect the building from the weather, and ensure that all parts of the construction are thoroughly ventilated to naturally lower the moisture levels as quickly as possible. Quite often the scaffolding used to support a temporary roof will also be used to support unsafe structural elements; walls unsupported by lost floors and roof can be braced by the CONTEXT 38
Left: Photo6: Charredtimber truss,Doughton, Gloucs. Right: Photo7: Trussafter charringhas beenshot-blastedaway. scaffold and areas weakened by the fire supported. There is also the obvious added benefit that a protected building allows the remedial works to proceed uninterrupted by the weather. Normally the protection takes the standard form of scaffolding with a roof and side sheeting (photo 5), but where safe independent access is possible, and the surviving roof structure is adequate, a quick and economic method is to sheet and batten (photo 4) although this method can create problems in high winds. Wherever feasible it is preferable to have the scaffolding and temporary roof independent of the building to prevent any interference with the restoration work but in certain situations this may not be possible. Difficulties such as the location or the size of the building, the topography of the surrounding ground, or the cost linked to the insurance cover, may necessi_tateinternal supports to carry the temporary roof or horizontal ties through the building to brace the scaffold. Horizontal ties can be particularly disruptive as they impede movement through the building and can dictate the sequence of the remedial works, especially as they often cannot be removed until the later stages of remedial work. The next stage for the engineer is to evaluate in detail the structural adequacy of the surviving structure. It is likely that the fire will have uncovered defects that have remained concealed for many years and the judgement of the engineer becomes crucial in determining what CONTEXT 38 safely existed before the fire and whether or not the defect needs to be rectified. The fire may invalidate the argument that the defect has stood the test of time and it is also possible that the remedial works may airer the load paths through the construction. Material damaged by the fire, such as cast-iron and timber, will need a detailed assessment. There is a general belief that cast-iron always performs badly in a fire but from the evidence available in this country and the USA, and from the writer's own experience, the reputation is not justified. It must not therefore always be assumed that cast-iron which survives a fire cannot be retained, and the material can be tested to enable an assessment of its structural adequacy. The fire resisting properties of timber, however, are more widely appreciated, but the charring that provides the resistance also hides any structural defects that may exist. Shot blasting with a soft sand can effectively remove the charring without damaging the sound timber beneath. Photograph 6 shows a charred timber truss while photograph 7 shows the member after the charring has been blasted away. When this has been done the reduced section can be measure and the effect of any defects on the adequacy of the member assessed. Stonework that appears undamaged by a fire may suffer later from surface spalling when the effects of increased moisture, freezing temperatures, and micro cracking from the heat of the fire begin to take their roll. Immediately after the fire the role of the engineer is crucial in deciding how much of an historic building can be saved, but as the remedial proposals evolve the engineer's contribution becomes one of saving the surviving structure with the minimum of intervention and disturbance of the remaining fabric. Utilising the structure that remains is always preferred but there may be occasions where additional structural members have to be introduced, or a new floor or roof replacing those that have been lost may not be able to repeat the structural layout, materials, or sizes that existed before the fire. These problems may be further exacerbated by the building being under insured with the resulting pressure to select the cheapest construction; for example demolishing a weak wall and then rebuilding is sometimes considered more economic than strengthening the existing with specialist techniques. Insufficient insurance puts pressure on the reinstatement team and it is important to ensure that this factor does not adversely affect conservation decisions. From the moment the fire is extinguished to the completion of the restoration of the structure the structural engineer has an important contribution to make, and although finally most of the engineer's work will be concealed the survival of the historic fabric is the visible statement of what has been achieved. Keith Westonis Senior Structural Engineer with the ConservationEngineeringBranchat EnglishHeritage. 11
Dr Peter Moore looks at why laser technology could be the answer to protecting the Nation's treasures from fire. ADVANCED WARNINGS Recent events have drawn attention to the fact that many of the nation's heirlooms ar deemed uninsurable, but something of a public outcry has arisen over the apparent lack of early warning fire protection, and many public buildings will. be reassessing their level of protection with some urgency. One of the main arguments raised by those responsible for historic buildings and their contents against the use of fire protection systems is that if sprinklers are involved they could cause untold damage to the very items they were supposed to be protecting. With the latest technology - a laser based high sensitivity smoke detection (HSSD) system - the alarm can be raised and corrective action taken well before activation of sprinklers becomes necessary. The key point about HSSD devices is that they provide the means to detect fire at its incipient stage long before smoke becomes visible - often just an overheat or a local deep-seated smoulder - giving the earliest opportunity to identify a potential fire hazard. This new generation of high sensitivity smoke detectors which has already been used across the world guarding heritage sites from the ravages of fire, was actually developed specifically to detect incipient fire dangers in computer and data processing equipment. HIRST Conservation Materials Ltd --wProducton of lime putty, as well as ready mixed mortars, plasters, daubs and grouts. Coatings and paints including limewashes, distempers zinc and lead paint. All paints available in a wide colour range. Products supported by technical and practical guidance. Analysis and research services available. Delivery anywhere in Europe. This company is a subsidiary of Hirst Conservation who can provide a team of specialists to apply the materials giving a single source of responsibility. 12 Laughton, Sleaford, Lines NG34 0HE Telephone: 05297 517 Fax: 05297 518 Although a fire in a computer room at a bank or insurance company would not involve the loss of valuable cultural property, nevertheless the 'downtime' of even a few hours involved in such an incident could result in massive financial losses. Thus, many major computer users have invested in HSSD systems to guard against such an occurrence. Unfortunately, research has shown that there is a very low level of awareness of these HSSD fire protection systems amongst the managers of heritage sites who would most benefit from such an installation. Detecting a fire at an incipient stage would buy them crucial time to evaluate the situation and reduce the risk of major damage either through fire - or through the fire protection procedures. The laser-based HART system is an example of HSSD fire protection which has already proved its worth in many UK installations. Based on technological developments researched by the Ministry of Defence, it has a sensitivity up to 1000 times greater than that of standard point smoke detectors. The equipment itself is unobtrusive and could be successfully installed in even the most traditional surroundings without detracting from them in any way. Atria and rooms with high ceilings present no problems. In uncontrolled environments - or perhaps in the case of an old building - dusty surroundings, less sophisticated RADIO Fire Alarm Technology The perfect answer to comprehensive Fire Security WITHOUT THE HASSLE! • No Hard Wiring • High Speed Installation • No Redecoration Costs • No Disruption • Fully Addressable • Simple Resiting • Meets BS Requirements • Very Cost Effective Do you want to know more? Contact: 111/i1_D_a RAFT Ltd 8 Cherrydown Avenue CHINGFORD London E4 8DP Tel: 081-624 9292 Fax: 081-624 7406 systems which require air filters may suffer clogging leading to desensitised detectors. Unlike their predecessors, the new generation of laser detectors like the HART system are particularly suited for use in these more hostile environments as they do not rely on an in-line filter, which may need to be checked as often as every two months, as part of the air sampling process. The laser light source rejects particles of dirt and dust outside the designated size-range of detection and only sees what needs to be identified. The laser light source does not need recalibration and, as it only needs to be checked once a year and has an almost indefinite lifespan, it can be installed in inaccessible places. High sensitivity smoke detectors generally have a maximum sensitivity to smoke of 0.1 % obsuration per metre. To put this figure into perspective, 'critical escape route visibility' is calculated to be 25% obscuration per metre, whereas at 0.1 % visibility it is four kilometres. Smoke detection is the most widely used fire sensing means for the protection of property and people. Nevertheless it is important that allowance should be made for people-induced nuisance alarms. For instance, illicit smoking or uncontrolled maintenance works such as paint burning are bound to trigger sensitive systems and it is important to consider these issues when the system is being designed and specified. The manufacturer will provide advice in such situations. All HSSD systems can be isolated during building maintenance, although adequate cover should be maintained because of the high level of hazard during such works. An HSSD system such as The HART will provide a total range of requirements, or it can happily work in conjunction with existing fire protection systems. As scientists gain a greater understanding of smoke generation in the early stages of any fire, so smoke detection technology has advanced to a level where even the most valuable and irreplaceable parts of our heritage can be kept safe and secure for the nation. Dr Moore is GeneralManager, Kidde Hartnell Ltd. Further information on high sensitivity smoke detection systems can be obtained from Dr Peter Moore. Tel: (0670) 713455 Fax: (0670) 735553. CONTEXT 38
CASE S.TUDIE (I) FIRE DAMAGE AT MARLBOROUGH HIGH STREET The Great Fire of Marlborough started on 28 April 1653 in a tanner's yard located towards the south west of the High Street. At that time most of the buildings in the town had thatched roofs. The prevailing wind spread the fire across the town centre and within three or four hours the Guildhall, St Mary's Church and the County Armoury, together with 224 dwellings, inns, shops and taverns, were destroyed. Occasionally today we come across portions of timber frame that survived, or were re-used in the rebuilding, but most of the medieval town was wrecked. In the small hours of New Year's Day 1993 there was almost a repeat performance. The town was awoken by what sounded like party firecrackers when a major blaze took hold of a range of shops and upper premises on the north side of the High Street. Although timber frames continue in abundance most buildings are now roofed and clad in clay CONTEXT 38 Ian Lund discusses repairs to buildings which survived their second fire in 340 years. tiles. Fire fighting procedures and equipment are more sophisticated today than they were in the 17th century and, crucially, the wind was still and the spread was contained essentially to four properties in a three storey terrace. A second Great Fire was averted but on the following day there were four further severely damaged listed properties to add to the Buildings-at-Risk Register. The main contribution that the District Council made in the aftermath of the fire was to bring the various owners, tenants, insurers and statutory bodies together within a short period. The Bank Holiday did not help, nor did the full length plaster (modern glass fibre I'm afraid not traditional plaster-of-Paris) holding the Conservation Officer's leg together, but within a few days a great deal of background information had been assembled and a meeting organised. The worst possibility was that a derelict site, or partial gap, should be left in the Conservation Area as had happened about twenty years before at the (now single storey) Polly Tea Rooms opposite. The opportunity was grasped at the meeting to emphasise what was required to restore the damaged buildings. Sufficient of the structure remained for the Council to be unequivocal in insisting these continue to be listed buildings and must be repaired. We stressed that systematic recording and salvaging of the remaining structures was the initial priority. This needed to be followed by temporary works to make the structures secure and weathertight. Then careful drying out could commence whilst a schedule of works was prepared. ENGLISH HERITAGE AND THE ROYAL COMMISSION The Council was grateful that the Historic Buildings Inspector and Structural Engineer from English Heritage were able to be on site at short 13
14 notice. The EH officers were the 'trump card' in helping to amplify and support conservation objectives. We were also fortunate that the Buildings-at-Risk Section of RCHM was able to re-schedule its work to undertake a detailed historical analysis in what were the most appalling winter conditions. The investigation revealed evidence that No 121 High Street, which was the most damaged by the fire (and despite its outwardly 18th century appearance) had at one time been fully jettied and in all probabiliry was a survivor of the 1653 fire. Furthermore, the analysis alerted us to the possibility that a first floor gallery supported by the surviving ground floor arcade once ran across the face of the whole block. Pedestrian arcades, beneath pentice roofs, are common in Marlborough particularly on the south facing facades to buildings in the High Street, but there are no remaining first floor galleries. Thankfully, the damaged buildings were fully insured and with the cooperation of the various owners it proved possible over the course of the following weeks to erect a structural scaffold to stabilise the structure and to erect a huge, professionally designed temporary roof. This gave a breathing space during which the owners of the N os 121 and 122 appointed an architect suitably experienced in the rescue of fire damaged buildings. The architect's schedule for strippingout, necessary for the integrity of the rema1n1ng structure to be fully investigated, was agreed with the Conservation Officer. On the basis that the works were to be carefully supervised and recorded, and were limited to that essential to the repair of the building, formal consent was not insisted upon for this stage. The next step, at the time of writing, will be to agree the works required to re-construct the missing and damaged parts and a Listed Building Application is awaited. It is likely that, once the main repair contract has been let, it will take over 12 months to implement. It is anticipated that a regular series of meetings will be held on site between the architect, the contractor and the Conservation Officer. Our forebears managed to restore the street phoenixlike nearly 340 years ago. Let us hope that this generation can manage the same. EMERGENCY PLANS One final point concerns the actions of the emergency teams on the night of the disaster. The District Council's Emergency Unit swung into action as of course did the fire brigade. Urgent decisions had to be made in the interests of public safety and a major catastrophe was averted. But the Council's Emergency Plan made no provision for notification of the Conservation Officer or, for that matter, any officer within the Planning Department. In the event a substantial brick stack was deliberately demolished down through what now appears to be a pre-Great Fire building. Was this really necessary? Could it not have be carefully taken down once the fire was extinguished? We shall never know the answer to these questions but there is perhaps a need for someone from the conservation service to be in attendance when a major emergency affects a listed building. How Conservation Officers up and down the country would react to a call at 2.30 am on New Year's Day is, of course, another matter! Ian Lund is Conservation Officer with Kennet District Council Editor's Note:- The final paragraph struck a chord with me. Thefirst I knew of thefire shown on the cover of this issue was when Anglia T. V. phoned me at home and asked me to comment on the loss,by which time it had been largely brought under control! We too were not included in the Council's Emergency Plan (but we are now) and we too lost a major mediaeval stack in the same way. How many other ACO members have had similar experiences?Let us know! (2)FIREATBUXTONMILL, NORFOLK This article discusses the major reconstruction of a watermill after fire damage. Buxton Mill is a four storey watermill dominating the small rural village of Buxton on the River Bure ten miles north of Norwich. The first mention of a mill at Buxton is cl 066, recorded in the Domesday Book. The present structure is believed to date from cl 754, although a description of 1960 mentions a stone over a doorway with the date 1654. The Mill was planned by a William Pepper, originally as a brick building. The building was altered and extended during the 19th century, when milling in England was at its peak, with the addition of two floors and rear extension, both of timber framed construction. The Mill was altered again during the 20th century when water milling was in decline. In 1902 the old 5 m diameter water wheel was removed and replaced by a horizontal turbine. The timber framing of the upper two floors was largely replaced with modern brickwork. Milling ceased at the Mill in 1970 when the machinery and the lucams (sack hoists) to the front and rear of the Mill were removed. After 1970 the Mill was used first as an art gallery, then as a restaurant and craft workshops. The timber weather boarding and windows were replaced by UPVC in the 1980s. The Mill is listed Grade II. The Mill was virtually destroyed by fire in January 1991. All that remained were the two storey brick walls to the front and sides, the ground floor and part of the first floor. The remains of the upper floors were in dangerous structural condition after the fire and were demolished. The building was adequately insured and the owner and Local Authority decided that the Mill should be rebuild to the original design as far as possible. There was a lack of evidence of the original construction on which to base reconstruction. All that was available were a few sketches and photographs of the exterior, the rema1n1ng timber framing to the lower floors at the rear, the badly burnt first floor framing, a pile of burnt beams and posts and photographs of the building immediately following the fire. Careful measurements, however, were taken of the burned timbers and their joints. Analysis of these and the photographic evidence enabled the reconstruction of the frame to be planned. This was supplemented by knowledge of the construction of similar buildings and visits to surviving timber framed water mills throughout East Anglia. The requirements of the current Building Regulations had to be met and this included rectifying structural deficiencies in the original building construction. The timber (pitch pine) sections previously used in the framing were undersized and posts had been inserted where beams had failed. The lack of adequate bracing and poorly designed CONTEXT 38
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