Bolton Abbey Ruins - Condition Survey

We have had a busy week undertaking a condition survey of the Bolton Abbey Ruins. Shaw & Jagger was commissioned by the Estate to complete a condition survey of the ruins of Barden Tower,  the old Abbey as well as the old aqueduct and the ruins of a remaining chimney.

A bit about Bolton Abbey:

Bolton Abbey Estate in Yorkshire is a large 30,000 acre estate focusing around the ruins of Bolton Priory, an Augustinian monastery founded in 1154 by Lady Alice de Romille. 

The priory was dissolved in 1539 during Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries leaving the nave to serve as a parish church.  It was originally a large monastic estate similar to that of Fountains Abbey. Other fascinating local ruins which have also formed part of our survey work are Barden Tower, an ancient ruin which sits next to the Priest House which today is a wedding and fine dining venue.

Barden Tower was built in the late 15th century by Henry Clifford, known as the "Shepherd Lord." Clifford, a member of the powerful Clifford family, spent his youth in hiding as a shepherd to escape the Wars of the Roses. He eventually constructed Barden Tower as a hunting lodge and residence. Over time the structure was expanded into a fortified manor house. Henry Clifford reportedly used part of the tower as an observatory. 

By the 17th century, Barden Tower had fallen into disrepair and has been a ruin ever since. It is no longer safe to access the interior but continues to be maintained and forms an integral part of the estate. The estate, including the priory ruins and surrounding land, was purchased by William Cavendish in 1693, also owners of the Chatsworth estate. Since then, the estate has remained in the ownership of the Cavendish family, and it is still part of their holdings today. 

The other areas we surveyed included the 19th century aqueduct which once provided water to the mill across the road which is now used as a store and workshop for the estate. We also surveyed the condition of the old freestanding chimney. This chimney is the only remaining part of the Old Hall, now lost.

What has been an exciting part of this project has been the immersion of multiple technologies to aid safe surveying practices. Christians Ltd completed a drone survey of all the ruins to enable us to safely assess high-level works and provide accurate marked-up drawings to aid the ability for a detailed tender process for any future repair works.

The drones also provide a view very few get to see!