Stanley-based, roofing and building maintenance specialists, Hodgson Sayers, has completed essential works after Hexham Abbey was awarded a grant of just over £364,000 from the Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage to enable repairs.
The grant covered nearly 80% of the cost of the works, with Hexham Abbey Restoration Trust meeting the remaining amount.
Originally built in AD 674 as a dedication to St Andrew, the Abbey was further developed during the 12th century into its current form, with additions around the turn of the 20th century. In 2014, it regained ownership of its monastic buildings which are now used as a permanent exhibition and visitor centre, telling the story of the Abbey’s history and Christian heritage in the North East.
The Abbey commenced essential repairs to its roofing in late November 2020 and closed to all activities from 4 January 2020 to 31 March 2021 to protect the internal parts during the works. The worst affected areas of the roof; the Chancel East End, North Transept and Nave North Aisle, all needed major repair works undertaken.
Formed in 1980, Hodgson Sayers, which also has a base in Nottingham, has a strong pedigree of working on restoration and heritage projects across the north of England.
Works undertaken by the company included removal of Westmorland slate and Welsh slate coverings, removal of failed fixings and battens, repair and treatment of decayed and infested timber work, formation of new treated counter and tiling batten structure with breather membranes, re-laying of the salvaged existing and recovered Westmorland slates and renewal of lead gutters and flashings.
John Sayers, managing director at Hodgson Sayers, said: “The Abbey is one of the earliest Christian buildings in the country, drawing in worshipers and visitors, both national and international, making it a true gem in the region’s crown and one that requires continual maintenance to make sure that it can continue to be enjoyed for many more years to come.
“The majority of the works were completed during the pandemic, so the timing couldn’t have been better as the UK continues on a roadmap to a more normal way of life.”
As part of the brief, the company undertook works to insulate the areas removed with a material that would last and protect the building.
Stuart Ford, contract manager at Hodgson Sayers, said: “Due to the building being of historic value, the Westmorland slate was salvaged for reuse. The slate was in good condition, but with all strip and recovers you never manage to save them all. We brought in twelve tons of Westmorland slate from Cumbria which were matched in colour, thickness and texture. The slate had all come from one building that had been demolished, so there was continuity throughout. The reclaimed slate was mixed within the original slate covering and then laid to diminishing courses.
“As we insulated the roof area, there were issues creating watertightness. We installed new, secret gutters, where water tables were present, as these areas did not allow for a cover flashing.
“The project was completed within a very strict timeframe despite the fact the team had lost 30 days due to the finding of asbestos, snow throughout January and often severe gales, including Storm Bella.”
The Rev’d David Glover, Rector, Hexham Abbey, said: “The refurbishment of significant areas of Hexham Abbey roof has been a major project ensuring the protection of the building both as a place of worship and as a heritage site of major national significance. Hodgson Sayers has been an excellent contractor with which to work and, despite some very challenging winter weather conditions, delivered the project on time, enabling us to meet the conditions imposed by our major funding source. As an Abbey we would have no hesitation in recommending Hodgson Sayers to other organisations looking to carry out similar projects.”
