Don't be fooled by appearances
The myth of the 'Ye Olde Pump House'
One thats close to home is "Ye Olde Pump House' in Hastings Old Town. However, a closer look reveals much more modern interventions and historical inaccuracies that can be misleading. It's crucial to look beyond superficial charm and understand the true history and materials of a structure. Not everything that assumes to be "old".
The nearby town called Battle is full of secrets, aided it would appear, by English Heritage and Their stories of the Battle Of Hastings 1066.
With my inquiring head on, instead of feeding EH with lots of money, maybe first ask for "proof?" Battle town itself is full of "experts" and this is one town where I've heard, on many occasions, about the 'definite' use of OLD SHIPS TIMBERS used in many of the buildings with exposed beams (really?) and also of a few sandstone block buildings, built from the demolition of Battle Abbey during the 5yr period (1536 -1541) known as the dissolution of monastries, by Henry VIIIth, when Catholicism didn't fit with his love of killing his wives and remarrying new ones, so he set up the Church of England Instead.
The alledged 'battlefield' has bee explored many times, with the Time Team Televised edition being shown to the world in 2013, yet nothing has ever been found in decades of archaeology - no proof.
Currently the pot is starting to boil because the French (the alledged Victors)
So why are we being charged to see a former demolition job? And just how very fortunate is was that those sandstone blocks were removed with such care, and undamaged, that they were ready to build more beautiful buildings with 🤔.
In the world of period and listed buildings, what looks old doesn't always mean it is old. We'll uncover some common misconceptions to help equip you with the knowledge to discern truth from myth.
Unmasking common building misconceptions
From incorrect material choices to misinformed restoration techniques, the pitfalls in period property maintenance are numerous. We often see bad advice leading to serious damage, such as using modern cement in place of traditional lime mortar, or applying inappropriate paints that hinder a building's breathability. These errors, often made with good intentions, can compromise the structural integrity and historical value of your property. Be wary of quick fixes and solutions that don't consider the specific needs of older buildings.
Empowering your knowledge through education
The best defence against being fooled is education. Heritage Lane is dedicated to providing accurate, in-depth information about the conservation and restoration of period and listed buildings. We encourage all homeowners, professionals, and enthusiasts to delve deeper into the science and history behind these structures. Understanding the 'why' behind traditional methods, such as the importance of lime or proper damp management, empowers you to make informed decisions. Explore our site, learn from our resources, and engage with the correct approaches to preserve our heritage responsibly.