An Introduction to the Old House Project

Join us for this online talk, presented by SPAB Director Matthew Slocombe, as an illustrated introduction to the SPAB's Old House Project - former St Andrews Chapel, a Grade II* ‘building at risk’ in Kent, which stood empty for 50 years. When the SPAB bought the building in November 2018 it was hidden behind an overgrown garden, vandal damage had left the site vulnerable, and parts of the roof were leaking.

The first of a collection of online talks about our Old House Project, this lecture will introduce the fascinating history of the former chapel - it once housed a relic of St Andrew, was owned by Tudor poet Thomas Wyatt, and acted as a local post office in the 20th century. 

Find out why the SPAB bought this 'sleeping beauty' to embark on a repair project greater than the Society has worked on before. Matthew Slocombe will talk about the steps involved in getting the project off the ground, describe the early remedies required to secure the medieval building, and reveal some of the site's long-forgotten secrets. Matthew, and project manager Jonathan Garlick, will welcome audience questions at the end of the presentation. 

If you cannot make the live talk, but wish to watch it on demand, advance booking is required - the live presentation will be recorded, and a separate link will be emailed to you after the recording is prepared (with viewing access of the recording until 22 March 2023).

Speaker: Matthew Slocombe, Director, The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) Matthew Slocombe MA FSA IHBC was previously the SPAB's head of casework. He is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and a Council member of the Society of Architectural Historians of Great Britain. Published works include the Shire book of Traditional Building Materials.

IT requirements: To join the online talk (delivered via Zoom Webinar) all you need is an internet connection and a laptop, phone or device with the ability to play video and audio. You will not be on screen and can ask questions via the webinar's Q&A function.  

Accessibility: Please contact us if there are any adaptations we can make that would make the lecture more accessible for you