Work on patching up Conduit House in Albert Park was completed a few weeks ago. What started as a simple project to re-lime the joints became more complicated. This picture shows that patching was needed, and wall ties.

Conduit House is not far from Trinity Church and is older. Trinity Church was opened in 1875, the year Conduit House last acted as a cistern to collect water from natural springs and conduit water to the residents of Ock Street.

The ancient building belonged to Abingdon Abbey – which closed in 1538, and was passed to the current owner, Christ’s Hospital of Abingdon, in 1553.

Christ’s Hospital of Abingdon laid out £31,000, the major part of the cost of the remedial work. The work was also funded partly by the Oxfordshire Buildings Trust, a charity that gives grants to maintain ancient buildings in Oxfordshire. ‘The Oxfordshire Buildings Trust was established to help preserve Oxfordshire’s historical, and architectural heritage. It also offers grant aid, advice, and campaigns on heritage and conservation issues. If you have an ancient building (not a church) you could try them. Churches have their own charity – the Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust.