We follow the S.P.A.B approach to
all repair work.
2 x Award Winners
The Yorkshire Lime Company is an award-winning team of skilled craftsmen specialising in the restoration of heritage and traditional buildings using only locally sourced and often recycled all-natural materials throughout Yorkshire. Adhering to the S.P.A.B approach, the company prioritises necessary repairs, utilising like-for-like local materials and relevant expertise to achieve the highest standards in their work. Their passion for the craft is evident in the dedication that they bring to all their services. Formerly operating as Gillard’s Building Services, they won the Corporate Live Wire Yorkshire Prestige Award for Building Company of the Year (2020-22). Building upon the momentum of their success and reputation, the company transitioned to focus exclusively on showcasing their craftsmanship on heritage buildings, undergoing a rebranding to underscore their commitment to this important sector.
Conservation Studies
Nigel is a consultant, adviser, and trainer who works with the team here at the Yorkshire Lime Company. Starting out as a dry-stone waller in Cornwall, Nigel trained after 1989 as stonemason and carver at Weymouth College, working largely thereafter in the conservation industry across the south and south-west of England, and regularly after 1999 in Vermont, USA, and Granada, Andalusia. Nigel often delivers hot mixed earth and lime mortar seminars and traditional skills training. Nigel's wealth of knowledge and experience makes him an invaluable asset to the heritage preservation community. His work helps ensure that our heritage buildings are preserved for future generations. Nigel is a very important voice in the fight to protect our historic buildings in the UK, and his work is vital to ensuring that these irreplaceable treasures are passed down to future generations.
Yorkshires Heritage Building Specialists
When you think of preserving a historic building, what comes to mind? For many people, first, think of maintaining the property’s appearance. While this is undoubtedly important, it is only one aspect of preserving a historic building. To ensure that a historic building can continue to be used for its intended purpose, it is also necessary to maintain its functionality.
One way to do this is to use hot lime mortar in traditional construction. This type of mortar has been used for centuries and has proven to be an effective method for preserving historic buildings. Hot lime mortar helps to prevent water damage, provides better support for load-bearing walls, and creates a stronger bond between bricks and stones. As a result, it is an essential part of preserving any Heritage building.
Heritage buildings are essential to our history and culture and must be preserved for future generations. At The Yorkshire Lime Company, we specialise in repairing and conserving traditional masonry structures. Our team of skilled craftsmen are experienced in working with historic buildings, and we are committed to carrying out repairs to the highest standard. We pride ourselves on our attention to detail and are dedicated to providing a professional service that meets the individual needs of our clients. If you want to learn more about our services or need assistance with preserving a heritage building, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Yorkshire is home to a rich and diverse historic environment, with countless buildings of architectural and cultural significance. Building conservation is a vital part of preserving this legacy, ensuring that our historic structures remain safe, functional, and beautiful for generations to come. At The Yorkshire Lime Company, our work goes beyond simple restoration – we aim to sustain the heritage of our country by maintaining the authenticity and character of its built environment.
Working within the heritage sector requires a specialist understanding of traditional materials and historic construction methods. Our team of expert craftsmen are trained to assess the condition of masonry and provide sensitive interventions that align with conservation principles. Whether it’s a farmhouse, church, or stately home, each project is approached with care and respect for its history, enabling us to deliver the highest standards in repair and restoration.
Building Conservation in Yorkshire
Unique Architecture
Yorkshire’s built heritage showcases a remarkable blend of architectural styles, from medieval stone churches to Georgian townhouses and Victorian industrial buildings. This range of structures reflects the social and economic evolution of the region and highlights the unique craftsmanship of past generations. Preserving such architecture is not just about aesthetics; it’s about retaining a physical connection to our collective history.
The distinctiveness of each building – be it the local stone, the lime mortars, or traditional timberwork – requires tailored conservation techniques. Our expertise allows us to adapt our approach to suit the unique needs of every property, helping to preserve both its form and function properly for many years to come.
Maintain Community Identity
Conservation is about more than protecting buildings – it’s about safeguarding the identity and continuity of local communities. Heritage buildings serve as focal points for towns and villages, contributing to a strong sense of place and belonging. When these buildings are lost or poorly repaired, the very character of a neighbourhood can be disabled.
By maintaining these structures using traditional skills and authentic materials, we help to reinforce Yorkshire’s architectural legacy. This process helps to support the local economy, promote heritage tourism, and foster pride in community history, making it an important part of modern rural and urban planning.
Learning & Education
Education plays an essential role in heritage preservation. That’s why we’re passionate about sharing traditional skills and conservation knowledge with the next generation of craftspeople. Although our training programme is currently on pause while we request new premises, we continue to support community initiatives and professional development in the heritage sector.
Learning how to work with materials such as lime, earth, and stone ensures that traditional building techniques are not lost. Through workshops and site-based mentoring, we offer access to rare and valuable knowledge that is essential for the future of heritage building conservation. We also support ongoing research into traditional methods and the evolving use of conservation technologies.
What is Classed as a Heritage Property?
A heritage property is generally defined as a building, structure, or landscape that holds historical, cultural, or architectural significance. This can include stately homes, farmhouses, cottages, mills, churches, and even civic buildings or schools. These properties are often protected under planning legislation, particularly if they are designated as listed buildings or located within conservation areas.
Heritage properties are often recognised for their contribution to the historic environment, and conservation work on these buildings must follow strict guidelines to protect their character. The use of traditional methods and materials, such as hot lime mortar, is usually a requirement – not just a preference. This careful management ensures that repairs don’t result in further deterioration or a loss of historic fabric.
Yorkshire Is Full of Historic Sites
With thousands of listed buildings and protected areas, Yorkshire offers an unparalleled look into Britain’s architectural past.
- Medieval abbeys and churches
- Tudor manor houses
- Georgian terraces and stately homes
- Victorian industrial buildings and mills
- Historic barns and agricultural outbuildings
- Traditional dry-stone walls and gateposts
- Historic parks and gardens
These sites are a testament to the skilled hands and durable materials of past generations. Preserving them enables people today – and tomorrow – to visit and experience these examples of traditional craftsmanship. It also brings much-needed recognition to the importance of maintaining our built heritage.
Our Services
Masonry Conservation
The masonry conservation field is responsible for the restoration and conservation of masonry structures or monuments using traditional materials and heritage skills for repairs. This can include repairing damage caused by weathering, age, or vandalism, as well as cleaning and sealing masonry to help protect it from future damage.
Lintel Installation
Lintels are responsible for supporting the weight of the roof and walls, and for providing stability to the structure as a whole. Over time, lintels can become damaged or dislodged, which can lead to serious problems. That's why it's important to make sure that lintels are regularly checked and repaired as necessary.
Heritage Skills Training
Heritage buildings are essential to our history and culture, and we must preserve them for future generations. Heritage skills training provides students and subcontractors with the knowledge and skills necessary to work on these buildings.
Lime Mortar Pointing
This process has been used for centuries and involves mixing quicklime with washed river sand and slaking it with water; this turns it into a workable hot mortar; using the material while it is hot gives the best performance.
Heritage Builders
We are heritage building contractors who are passionate about preserving Heritage buildings. We cover the whole of Yorkshire and provide a list of Heritage building services.
Masonry Contractors
The maintenance and repair of traditional masonry structures across Yorkshire using historic lime-based mortars for masonry surface repairs, shelter coats, lime pointing stone repairs and much more
Render Removal
Removing render is a delicate process and should be undertaken with great care to avoid damaging the underlying structure. We are professionally trained masons and provide render removal services for traditional and listed buildings across Yorkshire.
Chimney Repairs
The use of hot lime mortar for the repair and maintenance of traditional chimney structures across Yorkshire is a tradition that dates back centuries. Today, this time-honored technique is still used to restore and protect these historic landmarks.
Heritage Bricklayer
As heritage bricklayers, we have the skills and experience to undertake repairs to traditional masonry structures. We work on a variety of heritage buildings across Yorkshire,
Please note: The Yorkshire Lime Company presently not offering courses as we are looking for appropriate training premises for future workshops and training days. Please fill in our contact form if you would like to submit an expression of interest and we will add you to our list. Many thanks for your understanding!
Our Latest Projects
What Are Conservation Areas in English Heritage?
Conservation areas are zones designated by local councils for their special architectural or historic interest. In these areas, the character and appearance are protected through planning laws to ensure changes do not detract from the local heritage. Designation is a form of recognition that these places contribute to the cultural identity and architectural richness of their surroundings.
At The Yorkshire Lime Company, we work extensively in conservation areas throughout Yorkshire. Our team understands the constraints and opportunities these locations present, offering tailored services that enable property owners to repair and restore buildings within planning guidelines. Whether you’re dealing with stonework, lime render, or roofing, we can provide expert advice on how best to approach repairs in these sensitive zones.
Protection for Historic Buildings & Listed Buildings
Caring for historic buildings goes beyond aesthetics – it’s essential for their longevity and usability. Proper conservation work ensures that these structures remain safe, functional, and fit for modern use.
Key elements of protection include:
- Using breathable materials like lime mortar
- Ensuring correct drainage to prevent water damage
- Regular inspection of roofs, chimneys, and masonry
- Avoiding the use of cement-based materials
- Retaining original features and avoiding unnecessary replacements
These practices help maintain energy efficiency while also preventing long-term deterioration. At The Yorkshire Lime Company, we believe in doing the job right – using traditional methods that respect the original construction while improving resilience over time.
Contact The Yorkshire Lime Company for Heritage Building Conservation
If you own or manage a historic property and want to ensure its preservation, don’t hesitate to reach out to our expert team. We bring decades of experience, specialist knowledge, and a genuine passion for heritage to every job. Whether you need a full restoration or are looking for support on a single aspect of a project, we’re here to help.
Our services are available across the whole of Yorkshire. Please get in touch via our contact page to request a site visit, consultation, or quotation. We are committed to delivering conservation work that respects the past and protects the future.
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