Petre Chapel Brentwood Essex

Petre Chapel is a lovely historic Grade II listed mausoleum at Thorndon Park, Brentwood, within a Grade II registered park and garden. Universal Stone was pleased to act as Principal Contractor with its specialist restoration and stonemason team delivering conservation and repair works, alongside +apt architects.

The site is managed on behalf of the Historic Chapels Trust with the support of Churches Conservation Trust acting as client contact for the project.

The works comprised sensitive repair and alteration works to Petre Chapel, including masonry and mortar repairs, drainage improvements, roof and parapet repairs, and restoration of windows, steps, floor areas, and the vestry door. The programme also addressed crypt-related works, new supports, and minor alterations such as ventilation improvements, lead weathering to hood moulds and roof areas, and the creation and protection of lightwell openings.

Scope of works

• Repair of decayed masonry and mortar to external buttresses, walls, parapets, copings, and bellcote areas
• Repairs to roof elements, rainwater goods, below-ground drainage, and associated weathering details
• Repairs to windows, external steps, internal floor areas, internal door(s), and the vestry door
• Works to the crypt, including opening up, remediation, ventilation, guarding, stone slab covers, paving, and secure gates
• Installation of new stainless-steel casket supports, including careful lifting and support of a fallen infant casket

This project was generously funded with the support of the National Heritage Memorial Fund.