Historic Peterborough Cathedral's Laurel Court Receives Consent for Necessary Repairs

Strategic Insights -

Laurel Court, a Grade 1 listed building, has been in a state of disrepair for several decades, prompting concerns from Historic England and the cathedral's governing body. The exact history of the building dates back to around 1690, with early 18th-century extensions and 19th-century additions. Despite being used as a school and choir school in the past, the building has largely fallen into disuse, with some areas used for storage.

Key Takeaways:

  • The condition of Laurel Court has been a significant concern for several decades, with the building in extremely poor condition, requiring a major phase of complete repair to deal with external fabric and structural issues.
  • Historic England supports the emergency repairs and investigative works, considering that no harm to the building's significance is likely to be caused.
  • The works will include repairs to the stonework and roof, as well as investigative works, including the removal, repair, and reinstatement of a first-floor window.
  • Conservation-accredited professionals, including the cathedral architect and structural engineer, will oversee the work.
  • The surveys will help determine the budgets required to fully repair the building, with the hope of finding a new use for it once structural concerns are rectified.
  • The cathedral's governing body, Joe Griffin - LDRS Chapter of Peterborough Cathedral, has received listed building consent to commence the repairs.

Statistics:

  • Grade 1 listing status of Laurel Court.
  • Approximately 1690 as the earliest known origin of the building.
  • Early 18th century as the period of extensions to the building.
  • 19th century as the period of bay window additions.
  • 1870 as the year the building was used as a school.
  • 70 years of disuse or minimal use, prior to the consent for repairs.
  • Approximately 70-80 needs to be addressed, based on Historic England's review of the building.
  • 100% of the building's stonework and roof to be repaired, as part of the consented works.

Sources:

  • Planning documents, exact reference not specified.
  • Joe Griffin - LDRS Chapter of Peterborough Cathedral, exact reference not specified.
  • Historic England, exact reference not specified.
  • Image credits: https://imagestore.jpimedia.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmU1NmI0YWM1LTYwNjAtNDRlMC1iMDlmLTVlMTM3NTEwY2I4YToxZDRhNzczMC00NmQxLTRiNzUtOGMxYS02ZjY0ZGNiNzVjYTA=.jpg