Leading heritage contractor to restore Blenheim Palace roof

DBR Ltd (DBR), one of the UK’s leading heritage conservation contractors, has won the contract to restore Blenheim Palace’s historic roof and facades.

The groundbreaking £10.4m restoration project will see DBR’s team of specialists repair and conserve a substantial section of the landmark’s roof and façade, enhancing the resilience of the structure against the elements and ensuring its longevity.

A Grade I listed building and UNESCO World Heritage site, works across the globally beloved landmark need to be undertaken with the utmost care. DBR was chosen due to its considerable experience in the conservation of historic buildings and its reputation for high-quality craftsmanship, previously working on projects including Buckingham Palace, Wakehurst Place, and the Palace of Westminster.

Commenting on the size of the opportunity and the scale of the challenge, DBR’s Executive Director and Chairman, Adrian Attwood ACR, says, “This project is of immense significance, taking place on a UNESCO World Heritage site, and will engage our teams of expert craftspeople to restore a major national monument and tourist attraction. We are proud of our exemplary craftsmanship and look forward to collaborating closely with the Blenheim Palace Estate team to preserve this treasured historical landmark for future generations.”

Taking a closer look…

Maintaining a legacy

Designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, a frequent collaborator of the legendary Hawksmoor, Blenheim Palace is one of the world’s finest examples of Baroque architecture. Built between 1702-1722, its ornate features are testament to the national largesse and patriotic sentiment that underlies the construction.

Intended to be a national memorial, commemorative monument, dynastic mausoleum, family home and visitor attraction from day one, the team will need to ensure the site stays open to the public throughout.

The project will include a public viewing platform where the conservation work can be viewed at roof level along with a high-level vista of the estate. The project will also include craft workshops and community engagement on the skills being used to carry out the work.

The project commences in January 2025. DBR’s team of managers and conservators will undertake this delicate work over two years, including upgrading roof installation and safe roof access systems.

Taking the lead

The work will commence with the careful dismantling of the roof coverings and replacement with Welsh and Westmoreland slate, alongside sand cast lead and rolled lead sheet for flashings. The utmost care will be taken to ensure every detail reflects original detailing and craftsmanship.

This extends to timber substrates and structures with sensitive investigations and remediations required, as well as renewal and improvement of guttering, M&E and ancillary works. This includes everything from minor upgrades, for example, smoke alarm replacement and lighting protection renewal to larger intervention such as safety access renewal and introduction of new access routes.

On the face of it

It doesn’t stop there, with façade works included in the scheme. DBR will also need to undertake high-level stone repairs and minimal, but precise, masonry cleaning where required. This part is not to be underestimated, as it affects the external features, carvings, statues and windows.

As Kelly Whitton​​​​, Head of Built Heritage at Blenheim Palace, says, “This monumental roof project represents one of the most ambitious conservation efforts in Blenheim Palace’s history. This £10.4 million restoration is a complex undertaking that will require a combination of traditional craftsmanship and innovative building techniques to safeguard the structural integrity of our UNESCO World Heritage Site

“By opening up new areas of the Palace to the public and creating opportunities for visitors to see the project in action in a unique way, we aim to highlight the importance of heritage conservation while supporting heritage craftsmanship by the skilled tradespeople and specialists whose work will ensure Blenheim Palace remains standing for years to come.”

Adrian Attwood concludes, “Kelly has hit the nail on the head and raises a wider discussion around skills and how we need to protect our profession. We have some of the best craftspeople in the business, however, we need to get more talent into the trade and I hope that this project will help supply the catalyst to inspire the next generation of skilled craftspeople.”

To find out more about DBR’s award-winning heritage conservation work, click here.