St Michael’s Tower, Gloucester

Major Stonemasonry Repairs and Lead Roof Recovering Works

St Michael’s Tower is the surviving C15th tower of the Church of St Michael the Archangel. Located at The Cross, where the 4 mediaeval streets of Gloucester (Northgate, Eastgate, Southgate and Westgate) meet. No longer used for religious ceremonies, the ground floor is leased to Gloucester Civic Trust and is used as a Tourist Information Centre and Cafe. Stone was recorded as falling from high level into the pedestrian street below. It was understood that the stone works was failing due to long term water ingress from a defective lead roof.

Scaffolding had been installed to undertake surveys to understand the reasons for failure and to develop a schedule of repair works with associated drawings. There was a significant time pressure due to the ongoing scaffold hire costs and funding constraints.

We consulted with Historic England and the local conservation officer about the philosophy of fabric repairs. Once the strategy and scope of the fabric repairs was agreed, the project was developed and tendered to suitably experienced contractors. Once on site all stonemasonry repair works were marked up in situ with the architect and head stonemason. Each stone had a bespoke repair type agreed depending on the type and severity of defect. The roof was recovered with lead to match existing, the level of the roof was raised to ensure that the perimeter gutters were constructed to the correct falls and lengths in accordance with The Lead Sheet Training Academy lead working standards.