Project imagery
Project Duration
This landmark restoration project was completed in around 24 days.
Project Location
Leadwork Services
The Lead Lads provide specialist leadwork services for heritage roofing, cupolas, decorative structures and bespoke lead detailing.
Leadwork Project Details | The Lead Lads ®
The Property
Holbeck Clock Tower Restoration – Scarborough, North Yorkshire
The clock tower at South Cliff Gardens is one of Scarborough’s most recognisable landmarks. Positioned overlooking the North Sea, the structure forms an important part of the town’s historic landscape and remains a key feature of the famous South Cliff Gardens.
Built in 1911 to commemorate the coronation of King George V and gifted to the town by Alfred Shuttleworth, the Grade II listed tower required careful restoration works to preserve its appearance and protect the structure for future generations.
The Lead Lads were engaged alongside specialist stonemasons to replace the lead coverings to the dome-shaped cupola, decorative cornices and barrelled roof sections. Given the severe coastal exposure and complex geometry, the detailing required traditional techniques together with bespoke solutions.
Why the Original Leadwork Needed Replacing
The original coverings had suffered from years of exposure to coastal weather conditions. Salt exposure, wind uplift and continual thermal movement had all contributed toward deterioration and fatigue within the existing lead details.
On structures such as this, protecting the underlying stone substrate is equally important. Once moisture reaches decorative stonework and hidden junctions, deterioration can accelerate rapidly.
Leadwork Standards and Technical Approach
This project followed a standards-led approach combining traditional leadworking techniques with bespoke detailing solutions.
- BS 6915 informed lead installation principles.
- BS EN 12588 governed rolled lead sheet specification.
- Lead Sheet Association guidance informed bossing, welding, movement allowances and detailing.
Because of the unusual geometry and exposed location, custom stainless steel clips were designed and fabricated to provide a secure perimeter detail capable of resisting wind uplift whilst maintaining a clean visual finish.
Contact us about leadwork More leadwork resources and guides The leadwork LinkSpecification of Works
Preparation and Removal
- Access established around tower and cupola structures.
- Existing lead coverings inspected and documented.
- Defective coverings removed carefully from stone interfaces.
- Decorative areas protected during restoration works.
- Roof areas prepared for new lead installation.
Substrate and Support
- Curved roof areas inspected and prepared.
- Substrates checked before new coverings commenced.
- Support details coordinated with stonemasonry works.
- Custom fixing strategy developed for exposed areas.
Leadwork Installation
- New coverings formed in Code 6 rolled lead sheet.
- Cupola roof sections bossed to curved geometry.
- Decorative finial detailing integrated.
- Barrel sections clad to match original appearance.
- Upper and lower plinths formed in welted panels.
- Custom stainless steel perimeter clips fitted.
- Copper clips integrated where required.
- Details formed to resist coastal wind uplift.
Finishing and Protection
- Perimeter details inspected.
- Stone interfaces checked.
- Finished work reviewed for weathering performance.
The Materials
- Code 6 lead
- Custom stainless steel clips
- Copper clips
- Stainless steel fixings
What This Project Teaches About Heritage Leadwork
Restoring historic structures requires careful planning and specialist detailing. Decorative features, curved geometry and exposed environments create challenges beyond standard roofing work.
This project demonstrates how traditional leadworking methods and bespoke fabrication techniques can be combined to create durable and sympathetic restoration solutions.
Property Owner Takeaways
- Coastal environments accelerate deterioration.
- Curved roof details require specialist techniques.
- Bespoke fixings are often needed.
- Leadwork protects decorative masonry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why use Code 6 lead?
Code 6 provides improved durability for exposed locations.
Why use custom clips?
Complex geometry often requires bespoke fixing methods.
Can lead be fixed directly to stone?
Yes, with carefully designed fixing details.
Why is coastal leadwork different?
Wind uplift and exposure create additional stresses.
Can curved details be formed in lead?
Yes. Bossing and welding techniques allow complex forms.
How long can lead last?
Properly detailed leadwork can last many decades.
