Project: Westminster Cathedral, London

Client: St Ann’s Gate Architects

Westminster Cathedral’s build was started in 1895. It is the largest Catholic church in the UK and the seat of the Archbishop of Westminster. The architect was John Francis Bentley. The first mass was said in the Cathedral in 1903, in Our Lady’s Chapel. And the Cathedral itself was consecrated in 1910.

The whole building, in the neo-Byzantine style, covers a floor area of about 5,017 square metres (54,000 sq ft); the dominating factor of the scheme, apart from the campanile, being a spacious and uninterrupted nave, 18 metres (59 ft) wide and 70 metres (230 ft) long from the narthex to the sanctuary steps, covered with domical vaulting.

Barwin were delighted to be appointed for all 3 phases of this project, spanning 4 years. The works completed in January 2023. 

The client’s feedback was:

“Many thanks Nick for all the hard work by you and the team … with special mention to Elvis and Naz.”
Christian King, St Ann’s Gate Architects

Scope of works:

• Site set up to all areas / scaffolding
• Asphalt works
• Brickwork replacement
• Pointing to brickwork replaced with lime mortar
• Pointing to Portland, stone copings
• Replace lead detail
• Lead flashing cover
• Replace Westmoreland slate
• Repairs to Portland stone dome
• Repairs to cracked brickwork
• Window repairs 
• Stain glass repairs
• Tile replacements to roof areas
• Decoration works to all lead down pipes, windows, doors & railings