
Posted by Yuli Lee / 22nd October 2014
Leicester Cathedral - October 2014
Visit to Site - 22nd October 2014
The outer brickwork and slab of Richard III’s vault are proceeding, in parallel with the works to accommodate the vaults at the east end.


The first full size sample of the sanctuary flooring is presented, with the curved inlay inset by Ketton Stone in their works, but not yet pointed. We approve the selection and finish of the stones but ask FWA for more samples of joint and pointing, and confirmation that the finish will be better when in manufacture.

We
review the sample of the lining brickwork for the Richard III’s vault. This is
let down by the heavily struck pointing, and we ask that the pointing is redone
with a softer brushed finish. It will only be visible for a moment, but it the
resting place of a king, so it seems important to get it absolutely right.
Samples of possible stones for the repair of the existing sandstone piers are presented. None are quite right, which is a problem, as the cathedral’s original source quarry is no longer operational. Kevin, FWA’s expert stonemason on site, suggests another source and we ask to have samples sent.