18th-Century Masonry
2006-
Drayton Hall is in the beginning stages of a massive preservation project that focuses on the iconic portico, the original limestone steps, the stone lintel that supports the river-front stairs, and the chimney of the 18th-century privy. This project is made possible thanks to major grants from the Tauck Foundation, HGTV, and the National Trust Historic Sites Fund and thanks to donations from members of the Friends of Drayton Hall.
Here are the preservation issues we will be addressing:
- The original limestone steps on both of Drayton Hall's facades have cracked over time; stair nosings are breaking off and tread ends, where the iron railings are attached, are crumbling.
- A number of the limestone and sandstone tiles on the portico floor show what stonemasons call spalling-the separation of the horizontal layers within the stone - a process that is difficult to halt and that could require us to replace the tiles if they deteriorate any further.
- The stair landing on the river-front façade has always been supported by a masonry structure consisting of arches, barrel vaults, and a groin vault leading to the raised basement. Spanning the opening to this vaulted passage is a stone lintel, which was designed to support much of the weight at the outer edge of the landing along the iron railing. That lintel is broken, no longer fully supporting the weight above it, and is threatening to fall.
- Due to foundation settling, the chimney, a late 19th-century addition to the privy, is pulling away from the building, exposing the interior to weather and pests.