An Introduction to the Old House Project

Event details

When the SPAB bought this Grade II* listed building in 2018, it had stood empty for 50 years. Hidden behind an overgrown garden, damaged by vandals, and with a leaking roof - this sleeping beauty needed to be saved. 

Since then, we’ve embarked on an ambitious repair project to rescue this ‘building at risk’ and return it to use as a home. 

The building has a fascinating history. As a former medieval chapel, it was once home to a gruesome relic (St Andrew’s finger!), a famous Tudor poet, a Victorian family, and a 20th century post office. 

In this recorded online talk, you’ll hear how we got this mammoth project off the ground, the early steps we took to secure the building from more harm, and the surprising secrets we discovered along the way.

How does it work?  

This talk was recorded in February 2023. It is available for you to view now until the 31 December 2024. You will receive a booking confirmation email with a link and passcode to watch the recorded talk. Please check your junk mail if you don’t receive one.

Who is it for? 

This talk will be of interest to anyone with a love of old buildings - their history, renovation and future. If you are not able to visit the Old House Project in person, this illustrated talk will give you an introduction to the building and our repair project.

This talk covers:

• The project objective.

• The building's link to nearby Boxley Abbey.

• Post-medieval use and evolution of the site.

• SPAB's emergency repairs and early monitoring.

Interested to know more?

There are two more recorded talks in our Old House Project collection, both available to watch on demand: 

• Archaeology at the Old House Project 
• Research, Repairs and Restrictions at the Old House Project

IT requirements 

To view this recorded talk you'll need internet connection and a computer, phone or device that can play video and audio. 

Speakers 

Matthew Slocombe, Director                                                                                                                               

Matthew was previously the SPAB's Head of Casework. He is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and a Council member of the Society of Architectural Historians of Great Britain. Published works include the Shire book of Traditional Building Materials. 

Jonathan Garlick, Special Operations Manager (Projects & Working Parties)                                                       

Jonny is a trained building surveyor and was a SPAB Scholar in 1996. He joined the staff in 2005 and has since overseen the SPAB's U-value and building performance research and is currently project managing our repair projects and British hydraulic lime research. 

Accessibility 

Anything we can do to make this event more accessible for you? Please email education@spab.org.uk .

All bookings are subject to our Terms and Conditions. 

Photo credit: Old House Project © Ralph Hodgson.