Sheffield castle repair specialists Martin-Brooks tackle roof of Thundercliffe Grange in Rotherham

Families who live in a Georgian manor house in Rotherham found expertise on the doorstep when they needed to call in heritage skills.
Up on the roof at Thundercliffe Grange, Rotherham, where Darnall company Martin-Brooks is doing specialist repair work.
From left to right are Martin-Brooks employees Frank Duffy, roofer,  Dale Wright, contracts manager, and builder Vincent Sellars with residents Alistair Haxton, Tony Wilson, Polly and Rob Rawson-TetleyUp on the roof at Thundercliffe Grange, Rotherham, where Darnall company Martin-Brooks is doing specialist repair work.
From left to right are Martin-Brooks employees Frank Duffy, roofer,  Dale Wright, contracts manager, and builder Vincent Sellars with residents Alistair Haxton, Tony Wilson, Polly and Rob Rawson-Tetley
Up on the roof at Thundercliffe Grange, Rotherham, where Darnall company Martin-Brooks is doing specialist repair work. From left to right are Martin-Brooks employees Frank Duffy, roofer, Dale Wright, contracts manager, and builder Vincent Sellars with residents Alistair Haxton, Tony Wilson, Polly and Rob Rawson-Tetley

Sheffield specialist Martin-Brooks were called on to re-roof two annexes and rebuild two chimneys at grade II-listed Thundercliffe Grange in Kimberworth.

The 18th-century former home of the Earls of Effingham is now split into a community of 12 homes in the three-storey house, annexes and coach houses and is England’s oldest co-housing project.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Darnall company’s current main project is slightly bigger – re-roofing Nottingham Castle as part of a £30 million restoration!

The firm, renowned for its heritage expertise, launched 35 years ago and has worked on numerous high-profile projects. Previous commissions include Lincoln and Bolsover castles.

“When it comes to a heritage project, a small job is just as important as a major project. Exactly the same degree of attention to detail has to be applied,” said Dale Wright, contracts director.

“Thundercliffe Grange is a lovely example of Georgian architecture and it has listed status. It was crucial we carried out the work sympathetically, replacing original materials like-for-like and ensuring the task was done to the same methods.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Some four tonnes of reclaimed Westmoreland Green slates were sourced to keep costs down for occupants.

Martin-Brooks is listed on the National Federation of Roofing Contractors’ (NFRC) heritage register and its MD John Elmore was recently appointed Yorkshire and North East regional chair. He is also on the national board of directors and the organisation’s heritage committee.

Architect Alistair Haxton, a resident of Thundercliffe Grange, said: “The upkeep of the grange is very important to us all.

“We feel we are custodians, ensuring a building built over 240 years ago stays in good shape for future generations.

“Knowing what important heritage restoration projects Martin-Brooks have undertaken, we knew we were in safe hands.”