Most of the works comprised of consolidating the historic fabric through repointing loose flints and rebuilding sections where there was significant dilapidation risking structural failure. Capping and rough racking was frequent throughout the works to prevent further water ingress and loss to historic fabric.

Works also included an area of major structural intervention due to the ruin’s dilapidated state. Structural intervention allowed us to not only conduct sustainable repairs by mitigating significant future failure, but also added further context to the remains. The most significant structural intervention was to the original flue and fireplace. The installation of new quoins and flintwork, confirmed by archaeological evidence, supported the existing fabric and signposted the previous existence of a fireplace. Further to this, Messenger reinstated chalk relieving arches and stone piers. Their reintroduction restored the ruin’s stability and particular care was taken to emulate original cutting methods by texturing the new chalk.

The retainment of authenticity was further completed by using locally sourced materials throughout the project. The Clipsham stone was sourced 10 miles from the original Barnack stone while the flints and chalk were sourced locally from Castle Acre.