Restoration & Conservation > Wilbury Park Estate

Project Report

WILBURY PARK ESTATE (BENSON GROTTO AND TEMPLE)

Client: Countess of Iveagh
Architect: Peregrine Bryant Architects
Main Contractor: Ken Biggs Contractors Ltd

Requirements (Benson Grotto)  

The grotto was constructed out of flint and in the shape of a cross, whilst having arched ceilings.  It had fallen into disrepair and become unsafe.  The client required the grotto to be returned to its original state, conserving and reusing the original materials.
Construction (Benson Grotto)

The works involved in this project consisted of propping the arched ceiling, working from the top, removing the soil and casting a relieving structure above the arched grotto.  Hanging the grotto structure and connecting the grotto structure to the relieving structure above, with the use of stainless steel hangers and stainless matting anchored to the flint structure.

All the repairs were carried out from above the grotto and on completion none of the reinforcing repair was visible.

To the rear of the grotto a tunnel which servants used to service from had collapsed, this tunnel was also constructed out of flint.  To repair the tunnel, the tunnel had to be dug out and the walls and arch of the tunnel rebuilt reusing the salvaged flint.

The area around the grotto was then re-landscaped.

Requirements (Benson Temple)

To conserve the temple for use by the family and to act as a main feature to the rear landscaping of the estate.
Construction (Benson Temple)

The temple is located on a man made mound of ground.  Within the mound a grotto had been constructed out of flint which was accessed from one side of the mound.  The grotto is an arched shape to follow the shape of the mound.  This grotto had fallen into disrepair over a number of years.  This caused the temple to subside resulting in damage to the structure.

The repair to the grotto was carried out, involving the temple being propped completely to relieve the weight of the temple off the grotto structure.  The main repairs were carried out externally to the grotto by reinforcing works over and around the grotto to carry the weight of the temple. 

Following the completion of the repairs to the grotto, the temple was underpinned and connected to the grotto.

The conservation works to the temple consisted of the repair and new lead work to the domed roof. Repairs and replacement of the windows and repairs to the doors.  Repairs to the stonework and conserving the carved columns. Internal repairs to the floor (timber) and repairs to the timber panelling.  Restoring the steps to the temple and reinstating the landscaping to its original design.

The temple was awarded by the Salisbury Civic Society Conservation Award Scheme.