Structural Aspects
According to structural engineer Ted Ruddock BA MSc MAI MICE MBE:
Consolidation is essential, to retain as much as possible for as long as possible
and for reasons of public safety, but by the least obtrusive means possible.
All the main masonry elements of the surviving structure are of sound construction
and geometrically stable; only small parts, most of them affected by decay of
lintels or other individual stones or features, exist as potential initiators
of spreading breakdown of the integrity of the stonework.
The integrity of the masonry in those areas can be restored by methods and with
materials which are in sympathy with the materials and elements of the surviving
structure.
The future long life of the ruin can be best ensured by further actions which
protect the surviving original materials of the structure from the agents of weathers,
eg by filling the surface voids in the walls, capping the wallheads with turf,
by rough racking or thorough pointing.
With proper access and supervision good masons would have no difficulty replacing
the few weathered stones, stiffening the skin by packing and pointing with lime
mortar and generally pointing with a carefully formulated lime mortar.
Taking down some limited areas of the skins and rebuilding may be found desirable,
but such areas would be very few and small.