Re-emergence

After 13 weeks we are moving into the phase of reconstruction. The most obvious sign of this is the laying of the reinforced limecrete bases for the areas that will be tiled. The Victorians only laid 20mm of screed under the tiles with damp soil and rubble underneath, which is why the floor tiles kept heaving. Our new base is 100mm deep, reinforced and with a damp proof membrane underneath. Together with the Glypor substrate this will all help prevent damp rising whilst allowing the floor to breathe. We do have to wait 28 days for hardening before the tiling can begin though!

This week work will also begin to prop the arcades on either side of our fractured column (see previous post). it will be quite a big scaffolding structure but will enable us to take the weight of the column and repair it.

Other news - the external trench for the new water main and sewer connection has been completed. Good to have a new water main, the old one was lead! Excavation through the churchyard was carefuly planned to avoid the scheduled monument area of the old priory. The earth in the north west corner has obviously been augmented at some point. We found ledger stones over burial vaults at a depth of 3 feet.