During 2004 to 2008 English Heritage has undertaken a Phase 1 programme of targeted major repairs, costing £4m. The principal focus of the project has been the repair of the South and East Ranges. These contain the state apartment suite, by far the finest and most important of Apethorpe’s rooms. These ranges also had many of the most urgent repair priorities in terms of deterioration.
The roof coverings to both ranges, of local Collyweston slates and lead, were in very poor condition in many places. The roof structure to both ranges had been severely weakened by leakage, decay and previous alterations. Several stone gables at roof level on the East Range were structurally unstable. Stonemasonry and windows were also in need of extensive repair.
Internally, key elements of the historic interiors have been carefully repaired and conserved. The decorative Jacobean plaster ceilings were one of the major challenges, calling on a wide range of skills from dedicated teams of specialist craftspeople. In the Long Gallery, the oak panelling has been comprehensively repaired, one of the largest conservation joinery projects in the UK in recent years. The Jacobean fireplaces have also been conserved. No services or other fitting out have been included in the Phase 1 repair programme, as these need comprehensive planning by a future owner.
Besides the repairs to the house, major improvements have been made to the landscape setting, including the demolition of many of the post-war school buildings which disfigured the site. Re-roofing and other repairs have also been carried out to the stable block.
An integral part of the project is a programme of architectural and archaeological research and investigation. This has lead to many exciting new discoveries about the Hall, providing key information to underpin the repair programme, as well as any future proposals.
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