Portsmouth Naval Cemetery

USL was appointed as Principal Contractor to carry out stone conservation works to Portsmouth Naval Cemetery standing on Southsea Common, overlooking the promenade.  USL is honoured to work in collaboration with Commonwealth War Graves Commission to repair this special Grade I monument.

This imposing memorial takes the form of a massive stone obelisk, with four ships’ prows projecting from the apex, inspired by the rostral columns erected to celebrate Roman naval victories.  Constructed in Portland stone with bronze plaques, the space honours WWI and WWII conflicts.

USL works included:

• Engrave Ashlar course including carefully cutting out all joints and removing selected ashlar stone where identified as damaged.
•  Re-fixing newly engraved Portland Whitbed ashlar stone and new lime pointing to match existing.
•  USL’s inhouse stone mason team hand cut over 36 stone sections.
• Replacement of stone capitals (Eastern Shelter Building).  USL re-carved new Portland capital stones as well as replacing badly weathered copings.