Lichfield Cathedral - Choir South Clerestory Masonry

Lichfield Cathedral, standing at the heart of the Diocese, has a splendid setting and a fascinating history. Its three spires are unique amongst medieval cathedrals and are often referred to as 'the Ladies of the Vale'.

Following the launch of Lichfield Inspired by Royal Patron, His Royal Highness, the Duke of Gloucester, Croft Building and Conservation Ltd were appointed as contractor to work on the first phase of a 'once-in-a-century' project to restore and renovate the exterior of the cathedral. Croft worked closely with the Cathedral during the project, with our stonemasons demonstrating the working of some of the carved stones on site for visitors to view and some even tried their hand with a mallet and chisel.

The works comprised:

• Propping and consolidation of the flying buttresses.
• Stone indents to the clerestory windows, voussiors and hood.
• Replacement sections of parapet tracery, merlons and embrasures.
• Consolidation of the carved pinnacles.
• Stone cleaning, using our DOF system to gently blend the new stones with the existing.
• Walking tours of the site, a viewing platform and stonemasonry demonstrations ensured the general public were totally involved throughout the repairs.