RECOMMENDATIONS
This report has touched on many areas all of which could be researched in far more detail. In particular the Monastic records held in St Albans; with a knowledge of Latin, far more may be waiting to be discovered especially in relation to the earlier Saxon Church. Much of this material was dispersed with the dissolution of the monasteries, however most has been traced, some to the far corners of Europe.
Many repairs and renewals have already taken place externally to the weathered stone; these have mainly consisted of tiles or a substitute stone in lieu of Clunch. If this continues over a long period of time all the original exposed Clunch may eventually be replaced. Portland or similar stone, to isolated areas may be effective in some ways but as this replacement continues so it is gradually removing the authenticity from the building. Clunch is still available for building conservation work so defective stone should be replaced with new Clunch.
The medieval practice of using lime mortar, lime render and limewash materials was very effective for 750 years; however the last 100 years has seen their gradual replacement . The scraping, exposure and use of cementious materials thoughout the building has caused erosion, exfoliation and dampness problems. The use of cementious materials should now be avoided both externally and internally in order to prevent further damage. Lime mortar, lime render and limewash are very effective forms of protection which allow the building to breathe; these materials should now be used during regular routine maintenance. Basic limewash made from pure lime can be startlingly white; however the careful use of limes containing slight impurities or a suitable pigment can provide an acceptable finish to the exterior of the building.
Regular maintenance is required; this is the most practical and economic form of preservation. Limewash was originally applied regularly to the clunch chequer work with the coating brushed off the face of the flints on completion. This was evident in a faculty of 1911. These old crafts had largely died away but thankfully they are making a welcome return as people are once again becoming aware of the value and effectiveness of the traditional methods of preserving buildings.
William Morris founded the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings in 1877. This is the largest national society fighting to save historic buildings from demolition, decay and destructive restoration. The Society is concerned with how buildings are repaired; experimentation is a dangerous option, old buildings are not the place to test unproved materials. Responsible methods should be used; a repair done today should not preclude treatment tomorrow, nor should it result in further loss of fabric. In the words of William Morris: "We are only trustees for those who come after us".