Editing Canterbury Cathedral (section)

== Conservation ==
Much of the [[stonework]] at Canterbury Cathedral is damaged and crumbling, the roofs are leaking and much of the [[stained glass]] is badly corroded. The last quinquennial structural review<ref name=newsletterMay2014>{{cite web|title=Spring/Summer Newsletter 2014|url=http://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/trust_newsletter_web.pdf|publisher=Canterbury Cathedral Trust|access-date=28 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150528220849/http://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/trust_newsletter_web.pdf|archive-date=28 May 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> revealed that a combination of centuries of weathering, pollution and constant use had taken its toll on the ancient building and some serious problems were in need of urgent action.

The single biggest challenge is the roof. The cathedral is covered by a huge expanse of lead and whilst the majority of the wooden framework remains sound, much of the lead itself needs replacing. In addition, a large amount of concrete encasing the bottom of the roof beams needs to be removed and replaced with traditional wooden footers.

Conservation of the external masonry, particularly on the northern side of the building, is equally important. The cathedral is in part built of [[Caen stone]]. Detailed archaeological studies are undertaken to identify exactly which stones need to be replaced or repaired. In addition, specialist cleaning techniques are used to remove accumulated chemical deposits which are very damaging to the building. As regards the interior, priorities include decoration of the vaults of the [[Trinity Chapel]], conservation work in several other chapels, and major improvements to the Treasury building, which contains, amongst other things, the choir practice rooms.

[[File:Canterbury stained glass 7379.jpg|thumb|One of the many stained-glass windows at Canterbury Cathedral]]

The earliest coloured glass windows in the cathedral date from the late 12th century, whilst others are as new as the four [[Ervin Bossányi]] windows in the south-east transept (1957). Many have already been conserved and protected by the team of stained glass conservators led by Leonie Seliger. However, much conservation work remains to be done, notably on the [[Oculus (architecture)|Oculus]] window in the south-east transept&nbsp;– a late 12th-century round window.<ref name="BBC News" />

During the autumn of 2008, a major restoration of the lead roof over the transept was completed at a cost of approximately £500,000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/kent/7602769.stm|title=Cathedral roof repair work starts|date=7 September 2008|access-date=30 July 2018|website=News.bbc.co.uk|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712031446/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/kent/7602769.stm|archive-date=12 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2018, the lead roof of the nave was replaced.<ref name="kentonline.co.uk">{{cite web|url=http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/canterbury-cathedral-25-million-restoration-leaves-it-like-a-building-site-185091/|title=Canterbury Cathedral £25 million restoration leaves it like a building site|website=Kentonline.co.uk|date=23 June 2018|access-date=30 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712032043/http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/canterbury-cathedral-25-million-restoration-leaves-it-like-a-building-site-185091/|archive-date=12 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The extensive restoration of the cathedral that was underway in mid-2018 was part of a 2016–2021 schedule that also includes improved landscaping and accessibility, new visitor facilities and a general external restoration.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/heritage/the-canterbury-journey/physicalworks/|title=Physical Works|website=Canterbury-cathedral.org|access-date=30 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622140240/https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/heritage/the-canterbury-journey/physicalworks/|archive-date=22 June 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The so-called Canterbury Journey project<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Charting-the-Journey-Summer-2018.pdf|title=Charting the Journey|date=2018|website=Canterbury-cathedral.org|access-date=30 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712052827/https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Charting-the-Journey-Summer-2018.pdf|archive-date=12 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> was expected to cost nearly £25 million; the funding included a £13.8 million Heritage Lottery grant, £10.9 million from the Canterbury Cathedral Trust and £250,000 from the Friends of the Cathedral.<ref name="kentonline.co.uk" />