Old House Project

Our Old House Project is rescuing and repairing a Grade II* building ‘at risk’, but it is the education and training, and the opportunity to demonstrate the SPAB Approach to building conservation, that give it added value for us. The skilful work carried out by the many craftspeople involved in the project so far has exemplified SPAB principles. That most recently undertaken by Owlsworth IJP and their subcontractors adds to the range of materials and techniques on show.

During the late spring and early summer, work at the Old House Project (OHP) moved forward steadily - but gently - in the hands of the very capable craftspeople at Owlsworth IJP. Stonemason Jim Roberts continued masonry repairs and carpenter Callum McCaffrey applied his skills to window joinery. Volunteer Mark Murthwaite-Price oversaw the burning of local grey chalk in our field kiln to produce quicklime for mortar. As July approached, Mark upped his output significantly to stockpile lime for our Boxley Abbey Working Party week.