The stunning metal gates, that historically guarded the main entrance to Lambton Castle, began their restoration journey last week, as they left Lambton Park to travel to Stroud in Gloucestershire, to the workshops of Coode Conservation Partnership, who are specialists in the conservation and restoration of historic metalwork. 

The refurbishment of the gates is just one of a number of projects ongoing behind the scenes at Lambton Park, funded in part by the redevelopment works taking place on part of the Estate. 

Following several days preparation by the skilled Coode team, the gates, piers and adjoining railings were carefully dismantled section by section over the course of the day.  Each piece was carefully numbered, before the permanent fixings, which had kept the piers and railing sections in place, were cut and the historic ironwork was then carefully lowered by cranes to the ground. 

Once on the ground, it gave Alex Coode and his team, the chance to get a closer look at the unique metalwork.  Alex, who established Coode Conservation Partnership stated “The skill and craftsmanship that has gone into creating these gates is second to none and it will be fascinating to see, once the restoration process is underway, how the original ironworkers created such technically challenging pieces”.

Alex and his team will be hoping that the restoration process will also reveal more information about the makers of the gates.  Kate Jennings commented “Initially the gates will be power washed down to remove the mildew and lichen that has built up over the years.  Then there will be a number of clues we will be looking out for, as we start the restoration, including the type of iron used, paint colour and any makers or rolling mill marks.  All this information will potentially help us to establish their provenance and hopefully a timeline for when they came to Lambton, as at present much about the gates remains a mystery”.

The gates, piers and railings, which are estimated to weigh over 4 tonnes, were then carefully packed onto low loaders for their overnight journey to Stroud.  The ironwork at ground level was then sealed with zinc paint to keep moisture out, as the intention is that once restored, the gates will be welded back onto their original fixings.

It is likely that the restoration could take up to six months and we will be receiving regular progress reports from the team at Coode Conservation Partnership, highlighting the techniques and processes they will be using to return these magnificent gates back to their former glory and hopefully resolve some long unanswered questions along the way. 

For more information on the restoration process follow @lambtonparkuk and @coodeconservation #lambtongatesrestoration

Do you fancy taking part in a socially distanced running event at Lambton Park?

Taking place on Saturday 5th December and organised by Wild Deer Events, who arrange Road and Trail Running Races in the North-East of England, the event will have a choice of 2.5k, 5k and 10k races, over mixed terrain trails, paths, woods, fields and some brief time on the Estate roads.

Due to current COVID-19 guidelines the races will have staggered starts with 6 runners starting every couple of minutes. This may be subject to change depending on restrictions at the time.

Entries are open until 26th November so visit: http://bit.ly/WildDeer2020 to book your place.

Photograph David Bousfield Picture Perfect Photography

Unfortunately, due to the ongoing restrictions associated with Covid-19, the Estate have taken the difficult decision to postpone the Lambton Team Shoot until 2021, rather than compromise an event which so many enjoy.

The 2021 Lambton Team Shoot will now take place on 13th to 16th May.

For those who had submitted entry forms for the 2020 event, you should have already received an email from the Estate.

If you have not yet requested a refund, your team entry fees can either be carried forward to the same specific day for 2021, or alternatively they can be returned to you.

Please contact the Estate office on: enquiries@lambtonpark.com or tel: 0191 385 2435.

Well done to everyone who took part in the Foundation of Light Lambton Park Run on Sunday 30th June! Luckily the weather cooled down just in time and the run was a great success. The results are now available:http://bit.ly/Lambton10khttp://bit.ly/LambtonFunRun

The Lambton Team Shoot held in May was yet again a very successful event.  The weather was mostly kind to us and funds were being raised for the Great North Air Ambulance, who we have been supporting annually now for 7 years. The second charity for 2019 was Coats For Kids. It is a new charity associated with the Sir Tom Cowie Charitable Trust and aims to provide warm winter clothing to pupils from disadvantaged areas of Sunderland.

We are delighted that the Chester-le-Street Steam, Vintage and Fun Fair will be at Lambton Park on the 13th and 14th of July this year! There will be rides, vintage steam displays, crafts, cars, lawnmower racing and much more.  Click here for more information.   This fabulous picture is from a steam rally at Lambton in the 1950’s!