Member Article

Old school tests Martin-Brooks’ history skills

Sheffield-based Martin-Brooks is putting the finishing touches to a year-long project that has brought together five centuries of roofing techniques.

The heritage specialists have carried out essential repairs on the Old Magnus Buildings in Newark-on-Trent, which comprise structures from the Tudor, Georgian and Victorian eras.

Working with main contractors, Robert Woodhead, the renovation forms part of a £5.4 million Heritage Lottery Fund project to convert the historic complex into museums dedicated to the town and the English Civil War.

Martin-Brooks has refurbished roofs on three grade II listed buildings, reinstating reclaimed welsh slate, clay handmade pan tiles and plain clay tiles, in keeping with the properties’ original construction. The firm was also charged with renewing all cast iron rainwater goods.

Dale Wright, Martin-Brooks’ contracts director, said: “The Magnus Buildings are a special slice of British history. There are few places where architectural styles from three different centuries sit together so closely and whilst their restoration has been a long and painstaking process, it is a pleasure to know our heritage skills are ensuring they will be enjoyed by generations to come.”

The Old Magnus Buildings are named after Thomas Magnus, who opened the Tudor hall in 1529 as a free school, marking the beginning of better education for commoners. The complex was then extended in response to changing attitudes towards learning.

As part of its work on the Old Magnus Buildings, Martin-Brooks participated in a Heritage Craft Skills open day, showing members of the public how slates are laid and lead is shaped and fitted to a roof, a technique that has remained the same for centuries.

Martin-Brooks is listed on the National Federation of Roofing Contractors’ (NFRC) heritage register. For more information about its work on historic buildings, telephone (0114) 244 7720 or visit www.martin-brooks.co.uk

Issued: 31.03.2015

For further information please contact Nina Sorby at CORNER PR

Tel: 01246 433 451 Email: nina@corner-pr.co.uk Web: www.corner-pr.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Nina Sorby .