by Trevor Dale – Chair, Cranleigh Heritage Trust CIO // Main Photo: Cranleigh Village Hospital, external stripping back has uncovered long-term rain damage
Contrary to one semi-serious query, no, we are not adding another storey onto the roof of the old cottage. The reason for the height of the temporary roof is revealed in the photo of the old chimney which we believe dates to the 16th century.
The roof has been stripped of tiles and the timbers, despite being 580 years since being felled, are in remarkably good condition. Pause for huge sigh of relief. The complete strip was not part of the plan but once the contractors took a close look it was apparent that a comprehensive approach was a wise long-term investment.
Most of the roof had no felt under the tile support battens and crucially no insulation. Hence the term leaking like a sieve was entirely appropriate. Going forward this had to be repaired or heating would be unaffordable at the least.
The structure was constructed using green oak, in other words, it wasn’t left to dry and season. Therefore there has been some twisting and warping which makes replacing battens and tiles somewhat challenging.
You can see from the photograph, courtesy of Liz Bulley, that many battens had been replaced. We are saving as many tiles as possible and any replacements will be sited where they are not visible to the public.
The new insulation and re-roofing will have no visual impact thanks to the care being taken. Indeed the complexity of the additions over the years which is only now apparent explains why there have been leaks and much of the interior has suffered so badly.
In January we welcomed the King family from South Island New Zealand. They have direct lineage to Dr Albert Napper, founder of Cranleigh Cottage Hospital and indeed the Cottage Hospital movement that morphed into the NHS. BBC Surrey came along to record their comments. None of them had appreciated that their great, great grandfather had such a place in history and they were visibly moved by the revelation followed by a visit to his grave, directly across the High Street.
Shortly we will have a further survey to report on the later additions such as the fireplaces and chimneys, dormer windows and the upstairs flooring none of which are from the 15th century.
All of this builds the picture of how the original basic cottage has been adapted for changing use. It is a fascinating architectural history and we will update you next month.
FURTHER SUPPORT FOR THE PROJECT
Several fresh volunteers have joined the Cranleigh Heritage Trust team, helping plan the future uses and develop our plan to benefit as much of the community as possible. We are actively seeking new members to join the team now that we have a live project. If you believe you have skills and time to use them that would be helpful to a heritage project, please get in touch.
To get in touch email the team@cranleighheritage trust.org.uk.
To register an expression of interest in future use of the facilities please write to us with the following information:
1. Brief description of what you offer and the benefits to clients and customers.
2. Say if and where you currently offer this service and why people would use the cottage to meet you.
3. Brief declaration of support for the project in general.
4. Return name and address and any website or social media links.
Thank you so much!
Trustees Trevor Dale – Chair; Howard Barratt; Jane Briggs; Chris Bulley; Sue Dale; Nigel West. Advisors Bob Callard – architect; Joanna James – business advisor, Michael Miller and Joy Horn, history advisors.
Scan the QR code. Visit our website
www.cranleighheritagetrust.org.uk
