National Trust, Belton Estate: Lion Lodge Gates

Repair Works 

Allan Joyce Architects were approached by the National Trust to schedule, tender and manage the repair works to Lion Lodge Gates at Belton House, Grantham following damage caused by vehicle collision. The gates form the southern entrance to the Grade I Registered Historic Park and Grade I Listed Belton House.

The Restoration Process 

Following a tender process, a long established stonemasonry company were awarded the contract to undertake the repairs with site inspections carried out by AJA. The first step was to remove the stone Lions from the piers, which were unusually facing the House. The facing stonework was then removed so that the overthrow to the gates could be removed and repaired by blacksmiths. Unfortunately, some of the detailed pieces of stone had hairline cracking due to the impact of the vehicle, and sections fell off during removal. Various part stone repairs were undertaken in Ancaster Stone to match. The cores of the pillars were rebuilt to strengthen and protect against potential future damage and new stone sections positioned for the repaired overthrow. The remaining stone was then re-laid in lime putty mortar ready to receive the capping stones and Heraldic Beasts, which were thankfully installed facing the correct way. Finally, the gates were re-decorated using a safer modern metal paint, rather than a lead based paint.