Restoration Blog
Restoration information, news and photos
Heavy lifting down the Old Quay
With Easter looming and the expected return of vessels to their morrings in the Old Harbour work has been carried out on several fronts - from weeding to welding!The top of the Old Quay parapet is being prepared ofr re-pointing with the removal of years of vegetation...
Reviving the Old Harbour
The harbour, first recorded in the 11th century, in its current form dates to rebuilding in the 1730s. The current structure is identified as belonging to a collection of similarly constructed quays dating to the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The distinguishing characteristic of quays of this period in south and west Cornwall is the use of a distinctive engineering tradition of vertically coursed battered drystone masonry, probably developed from and related to smaller scale Cornish hedging techniques. Pounded by heavy seas the vertically laid stones channeled the force of the water upwards thereby reducing the impact on the overall defensive structure.
Mapping existing stonework prior to restoration
In key areas of the old quay, the position of each stone is being recorded. These sketches will be used together with high res images to maintain a record of the iron and stonework restoration.The high res images will then be converted to line drawing images.
Metalwork in progress
As we proceed with the restoration of the old quay, we are focused on the systematic removal of the deteriorated and corroded metalwork that previously secured the granite pieces, uncovering the stones beneath. Each piece of oxidized metal not only reflects the...
Scaffolding is now in place.The first section of scaffolding has been erected on the end of the Old Quay. Over the next few weeks work will begin to replace the wrought iron staples that keep some of the top quoins inplace. Where needed, new holes will be bored to...
Many hands make light work!
Just hours after Storm Eowyn blew through the south west, Saturday's volunteers were greeted with blue skies and near perfect conditions for some serious weeding. Work on re-pointing and repairing the centuries stone work will come after years of unwanted weeds and...
Let the weeding commence!Come down and help weed the old quay this weekedn starting at 9am through to 2pm - tools and protective gear supplied - hot drinks and bacon sarnies too!
"Despite the Mizzly Weather, Old Harbour Volunteers Shine!" "A hearty band of a dozen volunteers braved the mizzly weather on Saturday morning to kick off the first weed-in down the Old Harbour quay! Leading the charge was Matt Thompson from the Rosebud Memorial...