Conservation Projects

Hele Monument, St Werburgh's Church, Wembury, Devon

Because of it’s close proximity to the sea the northeast corner of the church had become very wet, causing erosion damage to the large, Hele monument. Constructed of Beer limestone, marble and slate, with extensive polychrome gilding, it was now in a very poor state. This was caused both by subsidence and corrosion of the iron fixings, which had cracked away the stone, exposing the cramps themselves.

The monument was carefully recorded and dismantled, whereupon it was found to have 105 sections! Repairing and rebuilding then began using stainless steel fixings instead of the original iron, and the installation of a ‘hypalon’ damp-proof membrane around the core to prevent future damp problems. All joints were filled with hydraulic lime:sand mortar, and missing areas of lettering were retouched with acrylic paint and in some places watercolour. .
.
.
.
.
.