At some point each day I look in on our biggest building project – the renovation of the Castle Estate Offices. There are always a few building works trundling along at any given time but this particular one is marked both by its longevity and its remarkable ability to absorb money at a great rate.
One of my roles at Highclere is to act as a sort of cross between an agent and project manager. It is not the easiest job as one of the main tasks is to try to keep teamwork going amongst the craftsmen by continual “critical path analysis”. That is basically not allowing one trade to hold another one up. As I suspect is common in a lot of marriages, my husband tends to think I am spending too much money, whilst I think he has too many follies and a pile of maintenance problems that have built up over 100 years or more.
The Estate Office stands amidst the foundations of much earlier buildings: it looks Georgian but there were ox houses and stalls for horses in medieval times. The building, especially the oak joists and purlings, tells its own stories. Around 1680 one of my husband’s ancestors rebuilt the old church beside the house and rebuilt and refurbished what was then called Highclere Place House. In so doing the old oak beams and wood would have been pulled out and re-used and you can clearly see, for example, that what is now a floor joist in the Estate Office was once a roof tress in a much earlier building. Some of the oak is perhaps 600 or 700 years old and takes a hue and texture which is very beautiful.
To add to the sense of history is the knowledge that the oak used for these beams would probably have come from trees growing on the Estate for hundreds of years before they were cut for joists. We can make this assumption as records show that oaks from Highclere were used in the late 14th century to rebuild both New College Oxford and Winchester College. In fact, old oak and beech trees still mark the skylines and woods here, especially beautiful with their autumnal colours.
Today, Scott and Tony the joiners are fascinated by their predecessor’s work and how they handled the wood. Both have said how much they would love to be able to go back in time to spend a day working alongside the craftsmen who created the joints and beams that they are now in turn refitting inside this building.
In amongst all this history are lighter moments. It is noticeable that the first thing the men do as they move onto various new parts of the building is build themselves their own mini kitchen. Out come the chairs which are always arranged in a neat semi-circle. One of the electricians rigs up a lead so that their battered old fridge, kettle and microwave can all be plugged in and Tony and Scott make sure that either they are not going to fall through the floor or alternately the ceiling fall on them (both scenarios have been possible so far). It is all very domesticated and cosy. Mostly they bring in their own lunches but periodically it is “fish and chips Friday” or, as it was last week, “fish and chips Wednesday”. The gift shop manager, Sally, and I were guests and we all sat happily in a circle eating fish and chips collected from the local pub. Luckily Scott had bought in a bottle of ketchup whilst someone else had the vinegar. It does not get much better.
Instagram
How amazing it must be to live in a home with such a documented history. Is there a museum on the estate. I think it would be a great addition to display one of the old beams in such a setting. Not everyday does one get to see 700 year old craftsmanship.
I am actually keeping the old beams to work out to show them to those interested! What is remarkable is we are again reusing the beams we can. Tony is leading the team and using hoists as would have been done before and is recutting mortices and tenons in new oak…
Great Story. I always enjoy the blogs.
Interesting article! I fell in love with Highclere Castle from of course watching Downton Abbey. I hope to visit there one day.
This is why I love history so much, to touch oak beams that are 600 or 700 years old is just pure magic. Just think if these old chaps could talk of their life from a young sapling, what was Highclere Castle Estate like back then.. The hobby that I do is not all about finding gold & silver things its about finding & seeing real history like this in a floor or a ceiling, touching the craftsmanship of all those years ago give you a warm feeling that the workmen are still around making sure the job in done right as they wood have done it 700 years ago..
Amen Paul.
We are doing it carefully and even better Tony’s son is learning the trade as an apprentice.
Old, beautiful oak…the touch, and smell, must be amazing (along with the aroma of Fish ‘n Chips, too).
What history and human craftsmanship lives on at Highclere! Thank you for this “delight”filled blog.
The fish and chips smelt and were jolly good!!!!
How wonderful to read about Highclere, its buildings and history. Imagine working with oak beams that are 300 years older than my country (USA). I so enjoy our visits to the UK to see its treasurs and learn its history. Your blog is a constant joy. Thank you so much.
I too enjoy reading all these fascinating stories and historical facts. Thank you for this.
Love the peek in on the rejuvenation of the Offices! I love that you are able to see such an incredible amount of history even during a construction project. It would be such a privelige to touch and see such old, beautiful wood. It’s giving me goose bumps all these miles away! 🙂
It’s a very hard job to be a general contractor – sometimes (or lots of times?) you are between a rock and a hard place with budget and scheduling constraints. I’m so glad you look to have a great relationship with the people on your crew. There is always the good, bad, and ugly, but when you have a great work crew, it’s usually pretty good.
Now I need to go find myself some fish and chips for lunch… 😉
Awesome! I love reading about the history of Highclere! It was my favorite spot when I was in England this past spring’
The beauty of Highclere is obvious from watching Downton Abbey… It is a living museum and also a home. Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the history of the estate ?
I recall reading that in medieval times the Master Mason was in command of a construction project. Out of all of the other trades and craftsmen – such as blacksmiths (who forged items such as door hinges, nails and tools), potters (roof tiles etc), rope makers (bucket handles, belts, animal leads and rope for machinery) basket weavers (baskets that carried stones, food, etc), plasterers and painters – it was the Master Carpenter who was second in command to the Master Mason.
My question is does such a ‘hierarchy’ stil exist at Highclere and, if so, who bought the fish and chips last Wednesday?
Thank you for another really interesting blog.
PS Have the carpenters/joiners noticed/commented upon there veing a weakness of wooden floor surfaces at corners? I that regard, it is my understanding that such a phenomenon lead to the popularity of Towers being built as part of the structure of medieval Castles.
We have a great team of stonemasons working at another Lodge at the monument – although that is a a separate English firm (Heritage Building Conservation).The same team of men there however have worked round various projects for us. Tony, our lead joiner asked them to come in to fit the stone sills at his choice of time but works with them. Tony organisers the other joiners and the brickies and then we sit down to make a plan with the electricians and plumbers who work between Tony and me. I am aided by Pat who is my right hand on the property side. He has a great sense of humour and likes coffee. However it is always Pat Withers and team, who decorate for us, who are in charge of getting the fish and chips.Pat is amazing and she has been working at Highclere for over 55 years. I would not dare get fish and chips without her! I call her the B team, (Tony is the A team) because Pat keeps the bees which I wrote about in an earlier blog. There was a photo of her husband and a skip. She helps me co-ordinate Nick the tiler, Nick the Damp, Brian the plasterer etc
I think we did not notice the corner floors as the whole thing was so wibbly wobbly (technical term)
‘Command of a construction project’ reminded me just how remarkable the history of Highclere really is. Bishop William of Wykeham, whose palace was at Highclere and who founded both New College Oxford and Winchester College (mentioned by Lady C in her blog posting), rose through the ranks by learning the construction trade as secretary to the Constable of Windsor Castle, becoming ‘clerk of the works’ and subsequently chief keeper and surveyor of all the Royal Castles and manors, before becoming the most important man after the King as Chancellor of England. Hence the use of Highclere timber in his ‘new’ college (‘new’ in 1379!). Lady C, watching over today’s works, sustains a very deep history indeed!
Sketch of the Old Church… Built by Sir Rob. Sawyer— I hope he is our relative!!!
How ama ing to touch workmanship so many years old! I wonder if the original workers thought it would outlast them, and if the current workers think about such things while they work? Thanks for providing the wonderful pic of the wood (you can almost imagine it’s scent!) and the wonderful sketch. Fish and chips are SO good..ketchup adds just the right touch to top it off! Glad to see it being enjoyed with such an English meal! We were teased about using it while there this summer!
I am sure the original joiners did think it would outlast them – I hope the work at the heart of what we do will also last at least 100 years. Funnily enough the new oak does have a smell of new cut timber, but the old is too dried out and seems more hollow . The weight nevertheless of some of the old joists is significant and yet again as before we are reusing it. It feels very good to me!
How amazing to live with so much history… thank you for sharing it again with us.
Love hearing about history being revived: the smell of wood and f&c lingers around me still. Have you ever thought about doing something that an old French chateau is doing?. They have volunteers from around the world who do maintenance, renovations, gardening, painting, shopping/cooking for the group, marketing etc etc (depending on their skills). for 20 hours a week for 3 weeks. In return they get accommodation for 18E a night and a chance to explore the countryside in between work. I’m sure there are a lot of “Boomers” who would love to do that at “Downtown”!!
As they say, if these walls could talk. Well I guess HighClere’s walls would have a lot to say. History repeats itself, and so does great craftsmanship . Long live beautiful wood, HighClere Castle, and the Carnarvon family. Rock on. Desiree.
I was in absolute despair to find out that your magnificent estate will not be open for viewing in December. I am travelling to England from South Africa for the very first time then. I have been saving the entire year as this trip will be a graduation gift to myself. I would have just completed a five year degree in both Accounting and Law. My study breaks during exams included travelling to another era and life as I was absorbed into the beauty that is Downton Abbey and Highclere Castle. I would therefore like to thank you for getting me through these stressful and difficult times by alllowing your home to be captured in this series. It allowed me to escape from studies for just a few hours. Kind regards Siobhan
Thank you very much for your meticulous descriptions of the work being done at Highclere Castle. The pictures are wonderful as well. Lovely sentiments and respect for those who have come before you and the history of your home.
Very interesting blog! I love old architecture and learning how places were built, especially ancient cathedrals like Durham. I have several books by and follow Dr. Suzannah Lipscomb on FB because she includes architecture in her history talks. Maybe you have seen her on telly? She does a lot of study on Henry viii. It is sometimes hard to believe these beautiful buildings were built entirely by hand, no power equipment…wish the old church was still there! I am a member of the board on a local historic society and we own and care for a home called Summerseat. Built in 1765 it is believed to be the only home in America owned by two signers of both the declaration of independence and the constitution. George Washington stayed in the home while planning the battle of Trenton. I always remind them Washington’s family was English and that they were friends with the Spencer’s and the Washington home in England is still there! I love this kind of stuff!!
Thanks so much for these great blogs!
Mary Beth
Very informative post. My how beautiful the wood has stayed as it aged. So very special to see behind the scene.
Smiles
http://www.bftsmuseum.org/aboutus.php As per your magnificent lecture here in Tyler, Texas today on Friday October 16, I implore you to visit the Terrell RAF training museum. Just a bit over an hour towards Dallas. In the Terrell Cemetery there is a dedicated plot of “England” right here in North East Texas. Your visit to Tyler was delightful and I do hope you will come back. Thank you for your visit!!
I was just wondering in the 21st century if the present day Staff at Highclere Castle address you and your husband as Lord and Lady or do they refer to you by first name terms and then revert to formal names when guests are staying or visiting the castle. My husband has worked as a butler for a Lord and always had to refer to him as Lord….. never by his Christian name.
I think it must be so exciting to be staff at such as prestigious castle learning about its history and preserving its heritage for many hundreds of years to come.
Another fascination we Americans have is DIY – building and rebuilding. My husband’s family are builders and project management is our passion. You are such a lovely lady and a grace to rub elbows with your workers. I remember when the Beatles first came here and we heard of fish and chips and thought what the heck is that? And malt vinegar??? Well, now we know – and it truly Is yummo.
G’day, Great post. I am looking forward to read more of your work. Build on! Thx.