Windsor Castle - Royal Kitchen Roof
	© TRADA
	Source: The Wood Awards and Gifford & Partners
Credits: Architects: Donald Insall Associates Consulting: Engineers Gifford & Partners Carpenters: Carpenter Oak & Woodland Contractors: Higgs & Hill Special Contracts Owners: The Royal Household

Background

During the disastrous fire at Windsor Castle on 20 November 1992, there was heavy damage to the roof structure of the Royal Kitchen. To initiate the subsequent repair and restoration operations, this roof was inspected in detail, Figure 1.

Repair Program

Although it had initially been thought that an entire replacement might be necessary, closer examination revealed that the surviving deeply charred timbers were not, as had been thought, of a single 19th century date. In fact, they were of two periods – the original oak structure having been ornamented and clad in decorative softwood, including ties, braces and cusping, evidently introduced by Wyatville – perhaps to make the ceiling seem "more Gothic".
After careful protective measures, the fire-damaged timbers were thoroughly de-charred, to permit closer structural examination. It was evident that beneath the charring, some of the timberwork possessed useable residual sectional properties and strength, making retention of such historic fabric feasible. The professional team worked on behalf of English Heritage to undertake this initial survey work. It was conducted alongside the creation of a detailed historical record, and analysis. The earliest carpentry was dendrochronologically dated to soon after 1337. This was recognised as having formed part of the structure that was rebuilt in 1489.
In view of the above dating discovery, it was evident that the roof presented a very important historical record. Hence the decision was taken to repair the extensive damage by traditional splicing methods, in matching oak, Figure 2. In certain positions, this was augmented by concealed steelwork, Figure 3. The latter was particularly required to carry the modern air-conditioning equipment that is essential for a busy modern working kitchen.

Figure 3 © Courtesy of The Wood Awards The reconstructed lantern, nearing completion. In the left foreground, under person's knees, is a discrete steel framework, introduced to support plant.	Figure 4 © Courtesy of The Wood Awards Longitudinal view of completed lantern. Note roof frame to rear centre, with new and original, fire-survived oaks, jointed by means of traditional carpentry.

The restored structure was incorporated within Wyatville's extensions of the original lantern. Now rebuilt with every available original timber, internally, the lantern displays its initial length, Figure 4. The open vents had long been lost, but new green oak timberwork completed the roof, whilst the missing coving and the outer timber roof were also reinstated, Figure 5.

For necessity, and for historical accuracy and maintenance, the outer roofing had to be concealed, above a restored plaster-coved ceiling, Figure 6. The resulting structure, somewhat resembling an upturned boat, is situated above the kitchen, itself carefully restored.
Within the broader scheme of careful post-fire restoration, the kitchen has been returned to regular use by the Royal Household, as well as for the benefit of visitors to the Castle.

Credit for the repair and restoration of this roof, presenting an intricate relationship between archaeology, architecture and civil engineering, as well as services design, is due to the entire team. In particular, John Pigeon was cited for his initial detective work in tracking down and recording the full extent of the surviving original carpentry fabric. Equally, Carpenter Oak & Woodland were recognised for their considerate approach and craftsmanship, in the repair of this ancient and outstanding roof.