William Stanton’s Monument to the First Earl of Coventry is composed of a variety of marbles and limestones. We were initially commissioned to carry out a full condition survey to establish causes of instability and decay. This was followed by a two-year period of monitoring of the movement of the monument, and further structural investigations. The proposed methods of cleaning and conservation were then fully explored prior to any intervention.
The monument was painstakingly dismantled to remove the corroding iron cramps, and was rebuilt with an air gap to minimise the damaging movement of moisture through the stone. Four of the angels’ wings were missing or beyond repair, and were re-carved in limestone. The new wings, along with the Earl’s coronet were then re-gilded. Once reinstated, a full cleaning programme was carried out to the monument.
The project was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and included an education programme with Elmley School.
Client: PCC of St Mary's Church
Architect: Bartosch & Stokes
