Linford masons tackle Monmouth’s historic Shire Hall

Linford Masonry is carrying out extensive stone repair and replacement as part of the £4.5m project to restore Monmouth’s Grade I listed Shire Halll.

The project will see the historic building returned to its former glory by April 2010, thanks to a £3.1m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund along with fundraising activities and contributions from both councils and other external bodies.

When the restoration is complete, Shire Hall will become a centre for the interpretation of the story of Monmouth with enhanced facilities which will ensure all community groups can make good use of the building.  The new lift is a significant part of the enhancement process and will ensure all areas of this magnificent building are fully accessible.

Main contractor Linford-Bridgeman is carrying out a range of work including the conservation of external walls, the repair and replacement of the roof, and the installation of the new lift.

As part of this, Linford’s specialist masonry team is currently working on an extensive programme of stone replacement and repair, including the rebuilding of the pediment, parapet walls and cornicing, working largely with Stoke Ground Limestone, with small amounts of Forest of Dean sandstone.

Stuart Carter, managing director of Linford-Bridgeman, said: “Monmouth’s Shire Hall is a magnificent example of 18^th Century architecture, and our restoration specialists are working closely with the architects and historians to ensure the building is faithfully restored. At the moment, that includes a real focus on the stone structure of the building with our masons working on a programme set to run through to September 2009.”

Shire Hall was originally constructed in 1724 and was designed by the famous architect Philip Fisher of Bristol.  The building was actually the scene of one of the most significant trials in British history when, in 1839, John Frost and other Chartists were tried for their involvement in the Newport Chartist riots.

Bob Greenland, Deputy Leader of Monmouth County Council said: “Our aim is to conserve this significant and historic building, to make it accessible to all, to bring to life its rich heritage and to position it as a vital community resource.”

Linford-Bridgeman is one of the UK’s leading restoration specialists and has worked on some of the UK’s most historically significant buildings such as Windsor Castle, Sir John Rylands Library in Manchester and the recent BBC Restoration winner the Saracen’s Head in Birmingham.