Buttress Architects | Thornton Abbey Gatehouse

The enormous and ornate fortified gatehouse of Thornton Abbey is the largest and among the finest of all English monastic gatehouses.

The practice undertook a condition survey on the gatehouse and subsequently were appointed to carry out a programme of repairs to its stonework, plus access improvements and new visitor facilities.

In addition to the exhibition space, a shop has been inserted into the ground floor of the gatehouse itself and new build visitor facilities were built adjacent to the gatehouse, housing a ground floor interpretation area, thus meeting full access requirements.
Stone repairs involved high level access to review their condition, followed by a programme of conservation and repair. The aim of the restoration was to disturb as little of the historic fabric as possible, only what was necessary. The improvements have enhanced access to the upper floors, which now house a small exhibition area, with the insertion of stairs throughout the structure.

In addition to the exhibition space, a shop has been inserted into the ground floor of the gatehouse itself and new build visitor facilities were built adjacent to the gatehouse, housing a ground floor interpretation area, thus meeting full access requirements.
"The magnificent gatehouse has been restored to its former glory in an ambitious conservation project. Extensive repairs to the crumbling masonry have been carried out, and a spectacular new exterior oak staircase gives visitors access to the building’s atmospheric interior."