Week 1 - Project Start

On Monday 13th July the project contractors, Ward & Co. arrived on site and began to build their compound near to the mansion.

Power Electrics delivered a large generator on Day 1 of the project.

On Tuesday delivery was taken of the temporary office and staff-room for Ward & Co. which are to be located in the compound.

Next week, starting 20th July, the scaffolding design will be complete and the building of the scaffold around the house will begin.

So far this week the stonework exhibition has proven popular with our visitors who are interested to learn more - By far the most popular part of the exhibition is the "Build Your Own Palladian Mansion" model with both adults and children enjoying the task!

Preparing the exhibition space

For over 6 months a team of property and regional staff have been working towards putting together an exhibition space for the stonework project. This is to be housed in the South Pavilion Conservatory, Drawing Room and Dining Room - none of which have been opened to the public before.

This picture shows the conservatory before the children's activities were put in place.

The exhibition gives a chance to learn more about the stonework project at Basildon Park, the history and architect of Basildon Park and nature conservation on a project like this. We have a childrens activity area housed in the Conservatory, a reading room located in the Dining Room and the main exhibition boards in the Drawing Room.

The rooms are presented as they were left to the Trust and still require a lot of work - Income from raffle tickets sold in 2009 will go towards caring for the South Pavilion in the future.

Laura Weatherall, House Steward at Greys Court

Measuring the interpretation panels to be attached to the main boards.