West Country Tiling Begins Reroofing and Restoration
Bisham Abbey, the Grade I listed building is entering a new chapter of preservation. The team at West Country Tiling have now begun a major project to safeguard this historic landmark, with scaffolding erected and reroofing work due to start at the end of October.
A Historic Landmark
Bisham Abbey has a long and distinguished history, dating back to the 12th century when it was founded as a Benedictine priory before later becoming the home of the Knights Templar. Over the centuries it has been occupied by royalty, including Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, and today it serves as a National Sports Centre and conference venue. Its architectural heritage and riverside setting make it one of the country’s most significant historic buildings, and preserving it requires careful use of traditional materials and craftsmanship.
The restoration will focus on four sections of the Abbey’s roof, where our team will:
- Strip away the existing roof tiles.
- Replace insulation to enhance energy performance and protect the building’s structure.
- Undertake specialist leadwork to ensure long-lasting weatherproofing.
- Re-clad the roof using Aldershaw handmade clay plain tiles, chosen for their traditional craftsmanship and historic accuracy.
By using clay plain tiles, we maintain the authenticity of Bisham Abbey’s appearance while delivering a roof designed to last for decades. This project is a prime example of heritage roofing with clay plain tiles, a craft that combines respect for tradition with modern standards of durability and performance.
Collaboration for Complete Restoration
Our work goes beyond the roof. In partnership with Ward & Co, additional conservation will take place, including:
- Careful renovation of the Abbey’s historic windows and exterior doors.
- Specialist stone masonry restoration to protect the fabric of the building.
Together, these efforts will ensure Bisham Abbey retains its architectural heritage while being protected against the elements for generations to come.
Leadership in Heritage Roofing
This project also marks an exciting milestone within West Country Tiling, as it is the first project managed by Chelsea Pitt in her new role as Contract Manager. Chelsea has already successfully overseen the scaffolding phase and now leads the coordination of trades and materials, ensuring the project is delivered with precision and care.
Building on Previous Work
This is not the first time West Country Tiling has been trusted with work at Bisham Abbey. We previously carried out reroofing on the stable block in partnership with Oxley Conservation, using handmade clay plain tiles to restore the historic character of the building. Timber repairs and breathable insulation were carefully installed to ensure both performance and authenticity. This experience underlines our expertise in heritage roofing with clay plain tiles and provides a strong foundation for the new project now underway.
Safeguarding a Historic Landmark
Bisham Abbey is more than just a historic house; it is a thriving venue offering accommodation, conferences, weddings and sports facilities on the banks of the River Thames. Through reroofing, insulation upgrades, leadwork and heritage roofing with clay plain tiles, our work will help protect its legacy while enhancing its long-term resilience.
West Country Tiling are proud to offer heritage roofing with clay plain tiles to preserve treasured historical buildings in the South West of England. For more information or to request a free, no-obligation quote, please contact us at 01373 462 224or email info@westcountrytiling.com.