News / Current projects

Bird Cage Inn, Thame
We’re currently working with English Heritage to save the historic Bird Cage Inn in Thame. The 14th century listed building has had a colourful history and boasts a resident ghost! Originally built as a market house, its undergone many changes over the years, with later additions to the building in the 16th century. The building was once used to house lepers and the Ghost of the Restless Soul is reputed to be a leper who was stoned to death in the market square. During the Napoleonic wars, the upper floor was used to retain French prisoners. When we were called to help, the timber framework had deteriorated to such an extent, that we had to shore up parts of the structure had to prevent collapse. The damage has been largely caused by a hard sand/cement render which was added during the last century. This formed an impermeable barrier, trapping water in the timber frame and causing the timber to rot. Although the render was partially removed in 1948, many areas remained covered and were painted over, disguising the extent of the underlying damage. Since the building is of such historic importance, we’re working closely with Richard Peats of English Heritage and the conservation officer to plan the repairs and restoration. David Clark of Oxford Building Records has also been documenting the building while we have been exposing the structure. We'll preserve the original fabric of the building as much as possible, although the 14th century gable is so rotten that we are rebuilding it, using the original materials where sound and replacing the rotten sections with new. Authentic materials and construction methods will be used throughout to preserve the integrity of the building.

Click on More Current Projects to see what else we're up to, or click on LABC Award to read about our award winning Tithe Barn renovation.