Rufford Abbey, Nottinghamshire — Conservation of 12th-Century Cistercian Remains

Rufford Abbey in Nottinghamshire contains the best-preserved remains of a Cistercian abbey west cloister range in England, dating from the twelfth century. The site is managed by English Heritage and had been closed to the public for over a year before a major conservation programme was commissioned to make it safe and accessible once more.

Messenger BCR undertook a 55-week contract valued at £690,000, completed in October 2024 to the designs of Simpson and Brown architects. The scope was wide-ranging, encompassing extensive stonework repairs to the ancient masonry, a new lead roof installation, the restoration of historic oak doors, waterproofing solutions for the 12th-century undercrofts, new paving, cast-iron drainage systems, and a specialist lighting design to complement the architectural character of the ruins.

The combination of medieval masonry conservation, leadwork, joinery restoration, and engineering waterproofing within a 12th-century structure reflects the breadth of Messenger BCR's conservation capability, and the project's successful completion under an English Heritage commission demonstrates the company's ability to work to the highest heritage standards on nationally significant ancient monuments.