St Martin's Church, Herne (Phase 2)

Client: St Martin's Church, Herne

Completed: Dec 2018

Category: Places of Worship

Contract Duration: 32 Weeks

Architect: Sawyer and Fisher

What we did...

Conservation & Restoration
Stone Cleaning
Stone Masonry Restoration
Specialist Services
Internal Restoration

USL were pleased to be appointed as principal contractor for the essential stone restoration and external fabric repairs to this Risk Register ancient parish church in Herne, Kent. St Martin’s is a largely early 14^th century church of historical and architectural importance; unfortunately it was heavily restored in the later 19^th century. Much external masonry was renewed, but despite this, there is still much fine 14th and some 15th century masonry surviving.

As main contactor, USL undertook stone masonry, glazing, and drainage works, which involved extensive stone conservation, working in Rag stone, Caen stone, Thanet stone and Septaria.

The project programme included:

Undertaking cleaning and repairs to the masonry of the tower elevations including repairs to the ringing chamber openings, the lead covering of the stringcourse, slot windows and the stone arch to the west door of the nave.
Re-bedding the tower door steps to a lower foundation base.
Undertaking pointing and repairs to the masonry of the west gables.
Overhaul existing toilet facilities with permanent connection to underground drainage, which means St Martin’s would have its first flushing toilet.

New Apex Cross

Completed window restoration

Preworks Condition at St Martin's

St Martin's Herne 1890-1910

“The award of a second substantial grant from The Heritage Lottery Fund is fantastic news for us and all those we serve because it means we can focus on them and their needs more confidently from a building that is becoming increasingly more welcoming, hospitable and sustainable. SO A GREAT BIG THANK YOU TO NATIONAL LOTTERY PLAYERS and to the HLF Grant decision makers.”