Finally, we have finished the re-pointing of the tower! The next masonry task is rebuilding the top of the tower, to give a firm bed for the curb. The original outer and inner 'skins' of the tower are in fairly good condition, but the loose infill appeared to have been carried on right to the top. Consequently, when the rotten curb was removed, quite a few stones fell away with it!.
Using a template arm, pivoting around the top of the main upright shaft, the loose stonework is repaired to the correct level. The oak curb sections will then sit on a bed of mortar, to give a bit of leeway for final levelling. The originals were held down with coach screws, driven into timber blocks which had been set into the tower as it was built. A hole for such a block can be seen above, just in front of the template. We are proposing to fix studs into concrete poured into these holes, as retrospective fitting of timber, with an acceptable degree of security, is impractical.
It has also been good to see the new sash windows going in; it makes such a difference to the feel of the building. They have already been tested for weather-resistance, courtesy of the extremely heavy showers this week. We always get a good view of the incoming weather from the top of the tower !....
