Boston Guildhall: Grade I
Anderson and Glenn produced Conservation and Restoration Plans for this mediaeval-guildhall,
which dates from the 1390s. Both documents were used as part of a
successful Heritage Lottery Fund bid.
The building contains many
interesting early features and has been described by historians as an 'architectural
gem'. It has been owned by the Borough of Boston since the
sixteenth-century and it is currently used as a museum and visitor
centre.
Restoration work on the fabric of the Guildhall started in early
2006. Conservation architect, Mary Anderson, acted as Contract
Administrator and the work was completed, within budget and on
time, at the end of February 2007. The
building is situated next door to Fydell House, another
Grade I building, of which the forecourt walls, gates and railings
have been restored under the direction of Anderson and Glenn.
Boston Guildhall,
circa 1820
During restoration work of the Guildhall essential support scaffold
was erected and the building disappeared behind a protective
covering. This gave the entire project an air of intriguing mystery.
A very popular series of 'hard-hat' tours
took place during 2006.
Expertly guided by Conservation architect Mary Anderson, groups of interested members of the public
were given a glimpse behind 'the scenes' at the restoration work-in-progress.
Removal of the tiles was an essential part of the restoration,
this work exposed the late fourteenth-century roof timbers.
Specialist Building-Archaeologists have discovered that they date from 1390 and that
they were imported from the Baltic.
Only about 50% of the original mediaeval tiles were reusable and
have been used on the south-slope. Replacement tiles, made by hand
in the traditional manner, have been used on the north slope
As part of the Project, the historic sink and ovens in the Guildhall
Kitchens have been carefully
restored by expert stone-conservators.
The kitchen after restoration.
The brickwork throughout the building has been repaired using
traditional materials and methods.
The Banqueting Hall (below) is ready to be
used for special events.
The project was completed on time and within budget. Pictured below
is Conservation-Architect, Mary Anderson, with Building Manager
Terry Hodson. On behalf of the Borough Council, the Mayor of Boston
received back the keys of the Guildhall from the building
contractors.
The Cells, in which two of the Pilgrim
Fathers were held before their subsequent trial, have been restored
to meet modern health and safety standards. The Mayor, complete with
'halo', seemed pleased to try them out by incarcerating Councillor
Ernie Napier.
Design Award Winner 2007
The built-in-quality of the Boston Guildhall Restoration
Project was recognised at the LABC East Midlands Awards Ceremony.
It was judged to be the Best Accessibility Design completed in 2007.
Winning this award is an impressive achievement, considering that the
building is Listed Grade I and is over 600 years old.
|
