St Woolos Cathedral, Newport, South Wales
Conservation & repair
Emma Mullen has been Inspecting Architect to Newport Cathedral since 2021. The role includes advising the Cathedral Chapter on all aspects of the conservation, maintenance, repair and improvement of the historic building.
Completed projects have prioritised fabric defects identified within the quinquennial inspection report, including the replacement of copper and asphalt roofs to halt water ingress and masonry repairs to St Luke's Chapel (for St Ann's Gate Architects). Ongoing projects focus on lighting and energy efficiency improvements, including a new lighting scheme in the Cathedral grounds and working with the client team to consider improvements to accessibility and welcome.
historic narrative
The Cathedral building sits at the highest point of the city of Newport. It has origins going back to the 11th/ 12th Centuries, which can be seen today within the Galilee Chapel arch; the oldest part of the Cathedral. At the other end of the Nave is the Chancel, added in 1964 to designs by Alban Caroe to elevate the building to be-fit its Cathedral status. The east window designed by John Piper is also a striking modern feature. As such, there is a diverse historic narrative throughout the building, which enhances its character and architectural interest.
sandstone conservation
The building is constructed of Old Devonian Red Sandstone, which poses inherent challenges to ongoing conservation and maintenance of the building fabric today, particularly where cementitious mortars have been introduced in the past. The Tower poses the greatest current conservation challenge; requiring major repair for the first time since 1913 in order to address health and safety concerns from spalling masonry.
