The restoration of two 400-year-old staircases at Montacute House has officially commenced, marking a crucial step in preserving the historical integrity of this remarkable National Trust property.
Located near Yeovil in Somerset, Montacute House was constructed over four centuries ago and is renowned for housing the longest surviving long gallery in England. However, these iconic staircases have not undergone any renovations since the house's completion in 1601, prompting urgent action. An impressive £800,000 project is now underway to restore these staircases, which have been closed off from public access due to safety issues. This much-needed work has been made possible through a generous legacy donation.
Melanie McCarthy, the project manager overseeing the repairs, emphasized that these staircases are much more than mere passageways; they deserve recognition as significant spaces that warrant as much admiration as the adjacent rooms.
The National Trust has warned that, without intervention, the staircases face the risk of collapse. Despite previous reinforcement efforts, the ham stone material has significantly deteriorated over the past four centuries, particularly at the joints that hold the structure together.
Reflecting on the craftsmanship required, McCarthy stated, "Four hundred years ago, they would have enlisted the expertise of a stonemason, carpenter, and blacksmith, and that’s precisely what we are doing now to create a unique and sensitive solution that will preserve the Elizabethan stones while ensuring structural safety."
The restoration work includes applying steel reinforcements to some of the staircase treads. Additionally, custom-designed coverings crafted by a local blacksmith will be installed on each step to mitigate further erosion of the historic stone.
The entire restoration process is expected to span up to a year, during which the staircases will remain inaccessible to visitors. Paul Hooper, who is the lead specialist craftsperson at the National Trust, expressed his excitement, stating, "It is a privilege to work on something that hasn't been significantly altered for hundreds of years. Just think of all the feet that have walked over those stones since the Elizabethan era! This project is fundamentally about ensuring that legacy continues, utilizing traditional skills to safeguard our shared heritage."
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