BRECON, ST MARY THE VIRGIN

major mediaeval roof recovering and repair works and internal modifications

St Mary the Virgin Church was originally built as a chapel of ease to Brecon Priory, now Brecon Cathedral. The building’s perpendicular Buckingham Tower is the most prominent building in Brecon, dominating the landscape. The initial commission was to undertake an Options Appraisal to investigate a programme of works including major reordering of the church’s existing layout and the integration of a new cafe, WCs and mezzanine level with offices.

Subsequent to the Options Appraisal, a Condition Survey was undertaken which highlighted a concern with the mediaeval timber roof trusses within the nave and south aisle. A timber specialist and structural engineer were soon appointed and the professional reports compiled formed the basis for a major project of high level structural repair works.

The building’s significance and sensitivities were identified, in parallel, fabric repair detail drawings and specifications were developed. A major fundraising strategy was implemented. Consultations were required with CADW, the local DAC and Brecon Beacons National Parks Authority.

Once the funding was secured and a suitably experienced contractor was appointed, a complex scaffold was installed forming a temporary roof with internal supports. There were over 150 individual timber rafters that were numbered and inspected with the structural engineer and contractor. Each rafter had a bespoke repair type agreed depending on the type and severity of defect. The roof was recovered with handmade clay tiles to match existing, reusing as many of the existing as possible.