Torre Abbey is one of Devon’s most important heritage assets—a Scheduled Monument and Grade I listed building founded in 1196. As a former Premonstratensian monastery and one of the most complete surviving monastic complexes in the South West, it holds exceptional historical, architectural, and cultural significance.

Corbel were appointed as Principal Contractor, to deliver a 16-month programme of complex conservation works across key areas of the site, including the Mohun Gatehouse, South Ranges, and the Chapel and the courtyard ruin walls. All works were carefully planned and executed to allow Torre Abbey to remain operational and open to the public throughout, requiring close coordination with the Abbeys management team and a sensitive, phased approach.

Extensive masonry repairs and rebuilds were carried out using traditional techniques. Masonry repair was most notable to the gatehouse parapet, which had suffered severe structural movement to the point where it was decided that a careful dismantle and re-build was the only option. This was no mean feat with the merlons and embrasure stones weighing in at 150-200kg each, meaning a carefully phased record, dismantle and re-build, one section at a time was the only option. Elsewhere, thick ( upwards of 75mm in places) cementitious renders were removed and replaced with a hot lime render system and hot lime wash, restoring the breathability and performance of the historic walls.

The Mohun Gatehouse was fully re-roofed using a combination of sandcast lead and Welsh slate, installed to match historic details or tweaked to meet current guidelines, to ensure long-term durability and performance. Joinery works included the meticulous repair and redecoration of numerous historic windows to the South ranges. Internally, plaster repairs and decorative re-finishing were sensitively completed to blend seamlessly with the Abbey’s original finishes.

This project exemplifies our approach to heritage conservation: delivering technically demanding works with precision and care, while working collaboratively with stakeholders to safeguard both the fabric and function of nationally significant sites.

Architect:- Tori Wales, Architecton Bristol