The Manor House, Bledlow

Project Overview

As part of a significant programme of restoration at The Manor House, a Grade II* listed 17th-century country residence in Buckinghamshire, Hockley & Dawson were appointed to assess the building’s structural condition and provide engineered solutions for its sensitive repair. Our involvement included structural investigations, design calculations, and conservation-led detailing to support the careful repair and strengthening of key historic elements, ensuring the long-term stability of this important heritage asset.

Historical Context

Constructed circa 1670 for the Blancks family, The Manor House reflects the architectural evolution of English domestic design over more than three centuries. Expanded in the early 1700s and remodelled in the 19th century under the Carrington family, the house today retains significant features from each period, including an early Georgian staircase, and 17^th century fireplaces. The manor house forms part of a wider historic estate, including nationally recognised gardens developed in the late 20th century.

Key Interventions

Masonry Crack Repairs

• Structural cracks in the historic brickwork were carefully assessed.
• Repair strategies were developed using sympathetic stitching and concealed reinforcement to ensure minimal visual impact.
• Where appropriate, lime-based materials were specified in line with conservation best practice.

Roof Structure – Rafters and Beams

• Several areas of significant decay to rafters, purlins, and wall plates across the roof required sensitive splice repairs and like for like replacement where necessary.
• Ongoing deflection of one valley beam and the adjacent structure required discreet strengthening including way of a flitch plate and steel flitch plates and reinforcement details that respected the original timber structure. A stress skin wall was added for further stability.
• New interventions were reversible and designed to remain hidden within the existing roof build-up.

Floor Joist Strengthening and Repairs

• Floor joists across several rooms were surveyed for deflection, rot, and bearing capacity.
• Strengthening details were tailored to each case — including sistering, and end bearing enhancement – with a focus on conserving principal members and original beams
• All interventions were designed to preserve the character of historic ceilings below.

Lintel Strengthening

• Several historic brick and stone lintels were found to be structurally inadequate and visibly failing.
• Hockley & Dawson designed strengthening solutions using stainless steel reinforcement or supplementary lintels concealed within wall thickness.
• Repairs were coordinated to avoid disturbance to original masonry surrounds and plaster finishes.

Conservation Philosophy
Our approach at The Manor House balanced structural integrity with conservation sensitivity. All designs prioritised minimal intervention, reversibility, and compatibility with historic materials. Structural repairs were designed to preserve architectural character while delivering robust long-term performance.