A new roof for the Boston Guildhall

As part of a major restoration and renovation project, the Boston Guildhall in Lincolnshire has been re-roofed by Tasker Builders using hand-made tiles by the UK’s leading independent roof tile manufacturer, Sandtoft.

Built in 1390 and a Grade I listed building, the guildhall has been in constant use since its construction. After the dissolution of the guilds, it was used as a town hall, courtroom, gaol and museum. The property has played a significant role in the history of the town, including the trial and imprisonment of the Pilgrim Fathers in September 1607.

Nigel Dyer, heritage products supervisor at Sandtoft Roof Tiles said: “As one of the oldest brick buildings in the UK, the Boston Guildhall is a magnificent and imposing structure. However, over time it has become rundown and in need of restoration.

“Working closely with conservation architects, Anderson and Glenn, we designed a replica roof by manufacturing hand made copies of the traditional roof tiles. Initially, the originals were removed and taken to our dedicated heritage team who studied them to create a tile that was as close and as accurate to the originals as possible. ”

Mary Anderson, the conservation architect on the project said: “As a historically important building in the town, it was imperative that authenticity of the guildhall’s early fabric was respected. Sandtoft was in close proximity to the site and has a highly respected heritage service, therefore the company was well qualified to supply the hand made replacement roof tiles.”

Manufactured over a three month period, in excess of 18,000 bespoke clay plain tiles were produced in three different sizes to fit the original style and look of the roof.

Nigel continues: “It was important to replicate, as closely as possible, the authentic style of the medieval tiles with varied ridges and hips created to work alongside the bespoke fixtures and fittings of the roof.”

Mary concludes: “We are delighted with the restoration of the roof and Sandtoft has done an excellent job.”

Funded by Boston Borough Council with the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund, European Regional Development Fund and East Midlands Development Agency, the building restoration was completed and handed back to the client on 16th February 2007.