Wednesday was an exciting and nervous day for the team at Knole.
As part of the ongoing scaffold erection, so work can start on the East Front, the scaffolders needed to put in place the first of many roof beams that will support the temporary roof.
The sheer size of the Crane dwarfed the House on the East Front
Enter the 150 tonne mobile crane. Just getting it into the park was an achievement in itself as it had to negotiate the narrow High Street of Sevenoaks and then in through the gates at the top of our drive. It arrived suitably early so as not cause too many traffic problems.
Once the drive was negotiated they then had to crawl through the narrower south garden gate and round to the rear of the house. A temporary roadway was constructed days before, to take the massive weight of the crane and roof beams.
The Premises Team were on hand to ensure that all the lifting areas were kept clear of all non- essential personnel and that the house was empty. This was necessary to ensure that should anything go wrong no one would get hurt from any falling objects.
When lifting commenced they started with some small (ish) supporting beams for the main roof beams to be attached to.
Then came the main lift – Pauline the Premises Manager was getting increasing nervous, any slight mis-calculation and we could be saying goodbye to the showrooms at Knole!
First beam up – beautiful sky above Knole
Up went the first beam – spectacular stuff on an absolutely beautiful day – up and over the main roof. The crane driver was being directed by his support staff as he could not see the landing point over the other side of the house.
Watching from Queens Court was equally nervous as a 1.5 tonne beam swung close the chimney stacks.. However the driver delivered it with pinpoint accuracy and the scaffolders secured it in place. Beam no. 2 went equally as smoothly and Pauline was very much relieved when everything was down and secured and we could open for business once again.
“Thank goodness I was not on the North side to witness this, from that angle!” – Pauline Premises Manager
The crane will return on Tuesday 26th (Open Garden day) – come along and see for yourself from our special viewing space, to lift the remaining seven beams… so we all hope it goes as smoothly as today.
Pinch point… 3 tonne of steel and aluminium cross high in the sky above the North front
Thanks to all involved in a successful lift and exciting day –
Pauline, Steven, Jo and Marisha
Words and pictures – Jo and Pauline
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