Our work at Lacock Abbey

Lacock Abbey’s winter deep clean

Many of the rooms in the Abbey are closed during the winter months to give Lacock's house team the chance to complete a deep clean. The age of the Abbey and the size of its collection means that this is no easy task.

Working at heights

Although some of the high ceilings can be reached with the help of a telescopic duster, in some rooms scaffolding is needed to access hard-to-reach areas and delicate objects such as chandeliers.

Once up high, the conservation team systematically move around the edges of the room, inspecting the ceiling, cornices and walls for damage or movement, and dusting high-level objects as they go. Some items, such as ceramics and glass, need a bit more attention and get a wet clean after
being dusted.

The importance of dusting

Dust doesn’t just look unsightly, it can also be harmful. Dust scratches surfaces, increases the chance of mould growth, promotes insect damage (bugs love to eat dust), and will chemically stick to objects forever if it’s not gently removed on a regular basis.

Winding Lacock’s courtyard clock

Regular visitors to Lacock Abbey will be familiar with the striking clock tower in the Tudor Courtyard. Its mechanism dates from 1880 and is gravity run; two weights slowly drop over seven to eight days, providing the momentum to turn. The weight on the left controls the clock’s distinctive ‘dongs’ and the right weight controls the time.

Every week the Abbey team wind the weights back up and then check the time on the inner clock face, which is backwards to match the exterior clock face. If the clock has lost time, they adjust it accordingly by winding the minute hand around.

‘The clock holds its time very well, most weeks it only loses one minute – not bad for a clock from 1880!'

- Dave Hollis, Collections and House Officer

Keeping traditions alive

When it comes to the clocks going back, the team have to wind it through the full 12 hours, listening for the ‘dongs’ to make sure they have the right hour.

Traditionally, the clock was set five minutes fast to make sure the estate workers who lived in the village got to work on time and, today, the team are careful to keep the tradition going.

Thank you

With your ongoing support, we're able to continue our vital conservation work. Thank you for helping to protect these special places.