In the past three weeks, 13th-century roof structures have been found and interesting wooden joint structures have revealed mid-15th century
carpentry techniques.

The work was given the go-ahead at the start of the year when a £525,000 grant was donated by the FG Woodger Trust to restore the eastern arm of the cloisters.

Director of the Chichester Cathedral Restoration and Development Trust, Alison Godfrey said: "The work was a matter of urgency as the eastern part of the cloisters had fallen into poor condition.

"It is the most expensive arm of the cloisters to redevelop because we want to make it fit for use for educational visits, exhibitions, talks and other events.

"Once the work has been complete it will be the only part of the cloisters that is enclosed. We see about 10 to 12,000 students every year visiting the cathedral so the creation of a warm accessible space will be fantastic."

The project also includes installation of glazing, heating and lighting, as well as replacement of the old roof. Carpenters are busy making joinery repairs and architects Richard Meynell and Colin Kerr, who are both responsible for the restoration, are recording archaeological details about what has been found.

Mr Meynell, who is responsible for one part of the work in particular,
said it was a very interesting project.

"It might seem odd having two architects working on the restoration but there is a reason," he said.

"St Faith's House, which is now part of the eastern cloister, used to be a chapel in the 13th century before the cloisters were built in the 15th century.

"The roofs of the two buildings are now inextricably linked and I'm responsible for one and Colin is responsible for the other."

Inside St Faith's House, Richard has found original 13th-century wooden roof structures still exist today, despite several alterations to the building over the centuries.

Mr Meynell added: "It is incredible to think some parts of the old roof have really stood the test of time. The restoration has revealed things like this, and also interesting 15th-century wooden hook structures which look like coat hangers, which otherwise would have remained hidden."

Mr Kerr, the architect responsible for the cathedral fabric, said: "The cathedral and the cloisters are magnificent structures.

"The eastern end in fact used to be enclosed when it was used as a school in the 18th century. It is nice now that the same part of
the building is being returned to having an educational function."


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