Alderholt War Memorial Re-Levelling
27th October 2023
SHARE
In Alderholt, we revisited a timeless piece of history—a beautiful memorial standing with quiet dignity just outside the church grounds. Following our initial report & quotation, we compiled an updated report, including new photographs that provided a visual accompaniment to our findings.
BEFORE
AFTER
ABOVE: At the time of our inspection the memorial’s lean can clearly be seen. Re-levelling a monument of this importance makes all the difference to its visual spectacle.
The memorial in question is a striking example of craftsmanship, featuring a rustic finish, light grey granite Celtic Cross. The cross is supported by a tapered column set on a tapered rectangular dye, all of which is perched on a weathered base with matching edges. Standing tall at approximately 3 meters, the structure commands attention in its grassy enclave, bordered by a wooden fence and vibrant bedding plants. This serene setting, however, belies the proximity to a busy road bustling with traffic, including large trucks and lorries.
ABOVE: A thorough yet careful, professional clean was due to bring out the rustic qualities of the memorial.
Upon close inspection, we found the memorial to be structurally sound. However, it had visibly subsided since our last check on February 14, 2019. The monument leaned forward and tilted to the left. This subsidence was primarily due to inadequate foundations and the constant vibrations from nearby traffic. Our inspection could not confirm if the sections were secured with any fixings, raising concerns that ongoing or worsening subsidence might stress the joints to the point of a catastrophic collapse of the main cross section.
ABOVE LEFT: As the small flowerbed is part of the war memorial, we took extra care not to disturb it in any way during our work.
ABOVE RIGHT: The Alderholt war memorial is a classic design – we’re proud to have worked on it.
To preserve this historic piece, we recommended re-levelling the memorial and installing more robust foundations. Ideally, this work should be undertaken without disturbing the existing joints, as this would avoid the complex and potentially risky task of separating the memorial sections to check for internal fixings.
Adding to the memorial’s woes was a sizable rose bush growing behind it. This plant had been tethered to the memorial with wire around the middle of the dye and red/pink string at the base of the cross. While the wire was unlikely to damage the granite, it could rub against the lettering faces, and the string had already cut into the mortar joint over time. Although the rose bush hadn’t caused the subsidence, its continued growth could have posed future stability issues and ongoing maintenance challenges for the granite. We recommended removing the rose bush to prevent further complications.
ABOVE LEFT: This photograph reveals the extent of the memorial’s lean. It was essential to correct this before potential catastrophic collapse.
ABOVE RIGHT: The tethering that was cutting into the mortar. This had to be removed.
In conclusion, while the memorial remained a structurally sound tribute to history, addressing the subsidence and potential stress on its joints was crucial to preventing further tilting or collapse. Re-levelling the structure, installing more extensive foundations, and removing the rose bush helped ensure the longevity and stability of this important historical monument.
Our work to the Alderholt war memorial consisted of the following:
1. Professional Cleaning
2. Mortar Restoration
3. Inscription Restoration
4. Foundation and Stability Work
ABOVE LEFT: Our spider crane was used to part the memorial from its foundations.
ABOVE RIGHT: New stronger and safer foundations were laid to ensure optimum stability for the memorial.
For the joints that were largely empty, once the old mortar was raked out it was crucial to thoroughly clean the joints to remove all dust and loose material ready for repointing with a lime-based mortar that closely matched the original mix colour and texture.
The inscriptions on the front and right-hand faces of the dye are in raised-lead, originally coated with black enamel for enhanced legibility. We found the lead letters to be in good condition, with no missing or damaged pieces. However, the black enamel had significantly deteriorated over the years. It had faded, peeling, and flaking away.
To restore the inscriptions we meticulously cleaned the lead letters to remove the remnants of the existing enamel. Following this, the letters were re-coated with black enamel by one of our skilled craftsmen.
ABOVE LEFT: A thorough but careful DOFF clean brought the beauty back to the stone.
ABOVE RIGHT: A skilled War Memorial Conservation Co. craftsman restored the lustre to the lead inscription with black enamel.
All of our meticulous restoration work ensured we had preserved the dignity and integrity of this historic memorial for future generations to admire and reflect upon.
BELOW: The memorial standing at its best once again.
GET IN TOUCH
We are more than happy to help you with any enquiries you have.
Use the form on our contact page.
SIMILAR PROJECTS
The Bristol Tramways & Carriage Company War Memorial
The Bristol Tramways & Carriage Company War Memorial
April 2026
SHARE
ABOVE: During the extensive renovation process, the plaque revealed its true colours.
It has been a privilege to conserve this historic war memorial for the Bristol Tramways and Carriage Company, located at Enterprise House, Bristol.
The Bristol Tramways and Carriage Company War Memorial stands as a powerful tribute to generations of transport workers whose lives were lost in the service of their country.
ABOVE: Watch the full renovation process on our memorial mason partner’s YouTube channel, Mossfords Memorial Masons.
Originally located at the Brislington tramways depot and now mounted at Enterprise House on Easton Road, this substantial cast-metal plaque honours nearly 280 individuals from the First and Second World Wars, including both military personnel and civilian employees.
It represents a vital link between Bristol’s industrial past and the people who sustained it through times of conflict.
BELOW: The 1 ton plaque was removed with the use of an advanced spider crane.
Carefully designed and rich in symbolism, the memorial features a finely cast inscription framed by laurel wreaths – emblems of honour and sacrifice. Its imposing scale and traditional materials reflect the gravity of its purpose, while the inclusion of civilian names from the Second World War highlights the broader human cost of twentieth-century warfare.
Though not currently protected by statutory listing, its historical and social significance remains deeply embedded within the fabric of Bristol’s transport heritage.
See above the plaque having to be carefully dismantled and removed to our conservation faclity by our specialist removal team utilising a spider crane to safely manoeuvre it from its location.
ABOVE: The plaque safely transported at out conservation facilities awaiting work.
ABOVE: The plaque showed a deperate need for cleaning and renovation.
Our approach followed best-practice conservation methods: beginning with a gentle clean using distilled water and a neutral pH solution, followed by the careful removal of oxidisation using crushed walnut shells – a process that preserves the integrity of the original bronze.
ABOVE: The incredible results of the extensive yet intricate blasting process.
The surface was then hand-patinated to restore its historic tone, before applying multiple coats of specialist microcrystalline wax, originally developed by the British Museum research laboratories, ensuring long-term protection in an exposed urban environment.
ABOVE: The plaque needed patination numerous times in between polishes.
ABOVE: The polishing process brought the best out of the bronze alloy.
The new location is the newly constructed bus depot building where the plaque will take pride of place.
The plaque once again commands the presence and dignity it deserves – safeguarding both its material fabric and its enduring act of remembrance.
GET IN TOUCH
We are more than happy to help you with any enquiries you have.
Use the form on our contact page.
SIMILAR PROJECTS
Christ College War Memorial – WWI tablet
Christ College War Memorial – WWI tablet
July 2019
SHARE
ABOVE: Our artisan at work – April 2026. Photo: FK for Christ College.
At War Memorial Conservation Co., we take great pride in helping to preserve the historic fabric and stories behind Britain’s memorials. It was therefore a privilege to be entrusted with the restoration of the First World War memorial tablet at Christ College, Brecon.
Following the successful restoration of the Second World War tablet in 2025, the college turned its attention to ensuring the WW1 memorial received the same level of care and attention. Supported by generous contributions to the Chapel and Heritage Fund, this important project could move forward with confidence.
BELOW: The tablet seen in 1926 – T O Scudamore Collection. Christ College Archive.
Our work focused on the careful cleaning and re-lettering of the 57 names inscribed on the tablet. Each letter was meticulously restored to ensure clarity and longevity, respecting the original craftsmanship while bringing renewed legibility to the memorial. Alongside this, we undertook detailed re-gilding, which has revived the tablet’s original visual impact.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the project was revealing details that had become obscured over time. The engraved school seal – mirroring the design of the Chapel’s East window – is now once again clearly visible, along with the dedication to the “Old Boys who gave their lives.” These elements are central to the memorial’s meaning, and restoring them was a responsibility we approached with great care.
ABOVE: The tablet after the intricate restoration work – April 2026. Photo: Christ College.
The completed work has brought both the WW1 and WW2 memorial tablets back to a condition that closely reflects how they would have appeared when first unveiled in 1924 and 1954. It is always our aim not just to conserve, but to honour the original intent and dignity of such tributes.
Projects like this are only possible through collaboration and shared commitment to heritage conservation. We are grateful to have worked alongside Christ College and to contribute to the safeguarding of these important memorials for future generations.
Information and photos courtesy of Christ College. See the original post.
GET IN TOUCH
We are more than happy to help you with any enquiries you have.
Use the form on our contact page.
SIMILAR PROJECTS