Blenheim Palace carries out emergency roof repairs as part of Government’s Culture Recovery Fund

A team of conservation contractors is carrying out emergency repair work to fix leaking leadwork on the roof of the Palace with a grant from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund.

Lifeline grants from the Culture Recovery Fund are designed to protect heritage sites and ensure that jobs and access to culture and heritage in local communities are protected during the coronavirus pandemic.

The work is being undertaken by specialist leadwork contractors Lang Conservation Ltd who will help repair gutters and split sections of lead on the Palace roof, which is allowing water to leak into the 18th century building.

Grants of up to £25,000 are being awarded to heritage sites across the country to cover urgently needed maintenance and repairs.

“We’re very pleased to have received funding for this emergency repair work from the Culture Recovery Fund,” said our Chief Operating Officer Roger File.

“While the Palace and wider estate remain closed to visitors, the need to carry out essential conservation and restoration work is ongoing. Grants like this enable us to maintain the fabric of this iconic and historic building and protect its priceless interior,” he added.

As well as rescuing precious heritage buildings in need, the Culture Recovery Fund will protect livelihoods for some of the most vulnerable heritage specialists and contractors working in the sector.

Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, said: “These grants will help the places that have shaped our skylines for hundreds of years and that continue to define culture in our towns and cities.

“We’re protecting heritage and culture in every corner of the country to save jobs and ensure it’s there for future generations to enjoy,” he added.

Read more about our Restoration and Conservation work.