An engaging and insightful CPD day dedicated to surveyors working with historic buildings. This event offered a valuable opportunity to deepen my understanding of traditional construction methods, conservation principles, and the unique challenges posed by heritage structures. Through expert-led sessions, real-world case studies, and practical guidance, I got an early look at how to assess, repair, and preserve historic fabric with confidence and care.
The day included:
Marianne Suhr spoke on:
Retrofitting walls and roofs in solid walled structures
Repairing timber framed buildings
Kevin Stubbs spoke on:
Historic brickwork
Henry Landis, Historic England spoke on:
fire safety issues for heritage buildings including compartmentation, fire doors, fire strategy and sprinklers,. emergency planning preparing for a number of incident types including salvage plans.
The event was held at the historically interesting Shaw House in Newbury
Shaw House is a significant example of an early symmetrical H-plan Elizabethan architecture mansion, situated in the village of Shaw on the north-eastern edge of Newbury. The house is designated Grade I listed building, while its surrounding park and gardens are listed at Grade II.
Constructed in 1581 for the wealthy cloth merchant Thomas Dolman, the house later became associated with the Second Battle of Newbury, during which it stood at the centre of the fighting. Although long believed to have served as headquarters for King Charles I, recent research suggests he never actually visited the property. The house did, however, host other notable visitors, including Elizabeth I.
In the 1720s, Shaw House was acquired by James Brydges, 1st Duke of Chandos. While not his principal residence, the family spent time in the area, and the second Duke became known locally for marrying Anne Wells, a chambermaid from Newbury. Following the first Duke’s death in 1744, the dowager duchess resided at the house until 1750, after which it was sold to the Andrews family. It later became the childhood home of historian James Pettit Andrews and, for many years, also served as a school.