Across our charity’s estate, careful, often unseen work continues to protect the buildings and landscapes that hold Cambridge’s story. Conservation is rarely dramatic. It is incremental, skilled, and ongoing. This year is no exception.
Wandlebury: Restoration
At Wandlebury Country Park, restoration work on the 18th century garden wall will begin in May and continue until the first frost. Over 100 metres of wall require repair and repointing with traditional lime mortar, ensuring the structure can breathe and endure.
All coping stones have been cut and are ready to be set in place. Matching bricks are being carefully sourced from local salvage yards to achieve a true like-for-like repair, respecting the character and integrity of the original fabric.
This significant programme of work is being made possible thanks to a grant from Historic England and the support of our Members and Patrons.
In the autumn, the Wandlebury clock tower underwent repairs to its leadwork, helping to resolve some of the leaks in the roof and prevent further damage. In the summer, the same team will be back to address further repairs and repaint the white sections of the tower.
The Tadlow Granary is a rare 15th century barn that was rescued from demolition and moved to Wandlebury. Moss was beginning to lift the roof tiles and so it has now been carefully cleaned, preventing long-term damage and leaving the building looking well cared for once more.
We are also planning to refresh the Education Centre through redecoration and lighting improvements. Practical upgrades, quietly extending the life and usability of a well-loved space.
Hinxton Mill: Brickwork and Bridge
The 17th century watermill at Hinxton is also receiving essential repairs, thanks to the generous donations made to our fundraising appeal.
A specialist craft brick team has been appointed to restore the brickwork in the tunnel beneath the mill, a technically demanding area where sympathetic repair is essential. They will also replace coping stones on top of the bridge, so that we can remove the tarpaulin that is currently protecting damaged brickwork. The result will be both structurally sound and visually coherent, restoring dignity to a much-photographed approach.
Meanwhile, the millwright has been adjusting the turbines and helping us to replace the ‘teeth’ that connect the crown and turn the stones. The turbine was out of kilter, and the teeth were constantly being damaged. The mill now runs much more smoothly and will be grinding corn at this year’s open days.
The Leper Chapel: Repairs
One of our major projects is to repair the 11th century Leper Chapel and bring it into greater community use. This is likely to cost upwards of £700,000 and we are currently progressing a first-stage application to the National Lottery to help fund this. The main repairs needed are for the roof, structural cracking and damp. Plans are also being developed for modest but important facilities, including a toilet, storage and a small kitchen area and we would like to make sensitive improvements to heating and lighting and to provide step-free access. All of these improvements will ensure this wonderful building can be used more comfortably and sustainably throughout the year. This is important work enabling care and enjoyment of heritage.
This work, on multiple buildings and structures, reflects a simple principle: heritage is not static. It demands attention, patience, and skilled hands. Some projects are visible and transformative. Others are preventative and easily overlooked. All are essential, and only possible thanks to the support of our Members. Patrons and Donors.
Be a Guardian of Cambridge’s Heritage
The Leper Chapel, Wandlebury’s walls and Hinxton Mill are part of the city’s shared inheritance. Their care is not automatic. It depends on long-term commitment and skilled stewardship.
Join Cambridge Past, Present & Future as a Member or Patron, or make a donation, to help protect these places for generations to come.
