Restoration of the Cupolas on Badminton House
Over the past year, the cupolas of Badminton House have undergone an extensive programme of structural restoration and conservation. These elegant architectural features, crowning the North Front elevations, have been a defining element of the estate’s skyline for more than two and a half centuries.
The project addressed structural deterioration, timber decay, and weather damage, with all repairs carried out to remain faithful to the building’s historic character, materials, and craftsmanship.
A Legacy of 18th-Century Design
The North Front cupolas were originally commissioned by the 4th Duke of Beaufort and designed by William Kent between the 1750s and 1760s. Their construction formed part of a broader scheme to remodel and modernise the North Front of Badminton House.
The current cupolas represent the third major iteration of the roof structure, yet they continue to reflect Kent’s original architectural vision and classical design principles. The original sketches from the 1700s illustrating the structure are preserved today in our archives.
Traditional Craftsmanship in Wood and Metal
Although they appear to be carved from stone, the cupolas are primarily timber structures. The main framework consists of oak, reinforced with larch bracing and a robust ring beam providing overall strength and stability.
In the 18th century, the timber was coated with a paint that had sand added to the mix, creating the distinctive stone-like finish that still defines their appearance today.
The scrollwork and decorative detailing around each cupola are formed from copper and cedar, chosen for their durability and workability. The weather vanes, made from cast iron and copper, are integral to the design and showcase the exceptional craftsmanship and traditional joinery techniques employed by the original builders.
Challenges of Historic Structural Restoration
Over time, prolonged exposure to the elements and infestation by wood-boring insects such as deathwatch beetle led to significant deterioration within the oak framework. Combined with water ingress and storm damage, this caused structural weakening of key components, including the main king post and surrounding timber frame structure, many of which had begun to rot and lose their load-bearing integrity.
These affected members were carefully repaired or replaced using traditional carpentry techniques and high-quality seasoned oak, ensuring the restored sections remained structurally sound and historically accurate. The main king post was fully replaced and restored alongside the weather vane, providing renewed structural integrity and long-term protection against corrosion and weathering. New leadwork was also installed to safeguard against water ingress, ensuring these distinctive architectural features remain both functional and faithful to their original 18th-century design.
Working on a listed historic building such as Badminton House presents unique challenges. Every intervention must be sympathetic to original materials and construction methods, preserving both appearance and authenticity. Sourcing curved oak sections for the cupolas is particularly challenging, as each must match existing profiles and undergo stress testing to ensure complete structural integrity.
Restoring the Stone Effect and Weather Vanes
To replicate the traditional stone-like finish, our team applied a specialist high-performance coating system designed to emulate the historic lead-and-sand render. This modern coating offers improved durability, weather resistance, and aesthetic consistency, ensuring the cupolas remain protected while maintaining their authentic 18th-century appearance.
Restoration Timeline and Team
The West Cupola underwent full restoration in 2024, the first major works since 1989. Restoration projects of this nature are typically required every 35 to 40 years to maintain ongoing structural stability and material integrity.
The projects were carried out by our in-house maintenance team, Dave Lacey and Chris Salt (carpentry), along with external specialists Jess Bevan and Bruce from Galena, lead workers. The work was overseen by Lee Pearce, Clerk of Works, and Andy Neal, Building Manager, who also worked on the 1989 restoration. During that earlier project, Andy engraved his initials into one of the repaired cupolas, a small but lasting mark of continuity within Badminton House’s architectural heritage.
Continuing the Legacy
Through skilled workmanship, traditional materials, and a deep respect for historic conservation, this restoration ensures that the cupolas of Badminton House continue to define the estate’s skyline for generations to come.
The project stands as a testament to heritage building conservation, structural expertise, and the dedication required to preserve one of England’s most remarkable architectural landmarks.