Universal Stone

13/05/2026

Restoring Christ Church Kensington: 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗿𝘆 & 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴

📸 Proud to share the completion of our recent conservation works at 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗵𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵, 𝗞𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗼𝗻 — 𝗮 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗜𝗜 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸 where specialist stone masonry and carving played a central role in restoring the tower, spire and chancel gable.

The team carried out carefully matched stone repairs, lime mortar repointing and the reinstatement of lost decorative features, including newly carved corner figures and a new stone gable cross, all designed to respect and replicate the original fabric.

This project showcases how traditional craftsmanship, technical precision and conservation-led thinking can protect heritage assets while preserving their architectural character for future generations.

A big thank you to everyone involved in delivering this sensitive and highly skilled restoration.

Discover more about our stone services and restoration expertise at universalstone.co.uk

Looking for support, call our friendly team: 01245 326 721
[email protected]

23/04/2026

We’d like to wish everyone a very Happy St George’s Day. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 🌹

At USL, we understand that England’s oldest buildings demand the highest level of care, skill, and respect. Through expert stone masonry and conservation techniques, we help preserve the character and craftsmanship of the nation’s most treasured historic sites.

We’re proud to play a role in safeguarding England’s architectural heritage—ensuring these iconic structures endure for generations to come.

https://universalstone.co.uk/

15/04/2026

Recent Heritage Works ⚒️

𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀:
We breathe new life into historic structures—conserving and restoring masonry, brickwork, facades, and interiors.

USL offers the most comprehensive services and expertise in both contemporary and historical stone masonry and stone carving, brickwork, faience, limestone, marble, stucco and much more.

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 & 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀:
We serve as Principal Contractors with deep expertise in historic building restoration and roof repairs. From structural stonework and carpentry to traditional roofing—natural slate, clay tiles, pantiles, flashings and weatherings—we handle every element.

We can offer the most comprehensive range of specialist roofing and leadwork expertise to undertake the most complex and sensitive heritage and church projects.

We have an in-depth understanding of repair elements, steeple surveying, scaffolding, height access and inspections, stone masonry, leadwork, structural engineering and costs.

Learn more about our stone masonry and restoration services:
https://universalstone.co.uk/

Looking for support, call our friendly team: 01245 326 721
[email protected]

04/04/2026

🐣🐇🌷⛪ Wishing you a very happy and blessed Easter from Universal Stone Ltd.

May your Easter weekend be filled with joy, relaxation, and the time to recharge.

We appreciate your business and look forward to seeing you soon.

USL proudly supports heritage, conservation and the restoration of churches and places of worship.

https://universalstone.co.uk

02/04/2026

Our stonemasons are thrilled to be back at 𝗖𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗹 for ongoing restoration works to the cantilever staircase. 📸

Designed and crafted by USL stonemasons in our Essex workshop and carved from specially selected Portland Broadcroft (supplied by Lovell Stone Group) to replicate the original Georgian detailing, the cantilever staircase comprises three flights of stairs, two-quarter landings and a full upper landing.

➡️ Have a look at the interesting transition from quarry raw stone to finished tread.

Grade I listed Copped Hall is undergoing an extensive restoration and conservation programme to revitalise this premier country estate under the instruction of Copped Hall Trust. Built between 1751-1758 by architect John Sanderson for owner John Conyers, the mansion was burnt out in 1917 and asset-stripped around 1950 before being abandoned to vandalism.
Learn more about Copped Hall:

COPPED HALL is a fine Georgian mansion that is currently under restoration. It is superbly sited on a ridge overlooking its landscaped parkland. The mansion and gardens are situated on a site of ancient human habitation. https://lnkd.in/ebSqvQdW

Many important buildings, from the Medieval, Tudor and Elizabethan eras were demolished prior to the present mansion being built and enlarged by the Victorians. Today, Copped Hall is privately owned and runs a widespread calendar of events, activities and educational initiatives.

USL stone masonry and restoration services:
https://lnkd.in/dKsG9aD

Well done everyone.
Thank you Lovell Stone for the superb photos as well.

Photo Reference:
1 - At Lovell quarry
2 – Cutting at quarry
3 – USL stone workshop
4. Work in progress Copped Hall

01/04/2026

– USL proudly delivers 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 as part of our 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀.

The work comprises of traditional techniques and materials - this can include lead roofing and guttering as well as decorative architectural detailing found on domes, spires, churches, castles and historic buildings.

Our specialist project managers work with conservation officers, architects, and clients. This ensures the work is completed to the highest standards and specifications. We have a team of skilled lead-workers and master roofers, who have knowledge and expertise to repair, restore and replicate ornate lead details created hundreds of years ago.

𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀:

USL specialises in the building, restoration and repair of historic leadwork, roofing, church spires and structural elements; including stonework, carpentry, natural slate, plain and peg tiles, pantiles, related flashings, guttering and rainwater goods.

We can offer a comprehensive range of specialist expertise to undertake the most complex and sensitive heritage and bespoke roofing/spire projects.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗨𝗦𝗟 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽:

Restoration & Repairs
Steeple / Roof surveying
Scaffolding & Height access
Drone Inspections
Stone masonry
Leadwork
Roofing & Structural
Specialist lead coverings

𝗧𝗼 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗨𝗦𝗟 𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀, 𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁:
https://universalstone.co.uk/

Get in contact today for more information. [email protected]

01/04/2026

Stone & Masonry Cleaning – 𝗪𝗲 𝗨𝘀𝗲 ‘𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱’ 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱𝘀

USL has extensive experience in cleaning both listed and non-listed buildings' masonry and façades.

It is very important to select the most appropriate cleaning method suited to a particular façade, which is reliant upon several factors such as construction material, stone, brick, wood, as well as the degree and nature of decay/soiling and the extent of decline.

𝗪𝗲 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗿𝘆 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀, 𝗻𝗲𝗯𝘂𝗹𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗝𝗢𝗦/𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗖® (𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘃𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲𝘅 𝘄𝗲𝗯 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴), 𝗗𝗢𝗙𝗙® (𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴) 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵® 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 which do not risk further damage to surfaces or structures during the removal of atmospheric pollutants and manmade coatings.

All members of our staff are fully trained and experienced in traditional as well as innovative stone cleaning methods. If you need any advice regarding upcoming projects or requirements, we are more than happy to assist.

If you would like more information on the spectrum of cleaning methods available, kindly contact us on https://universalstone.co.uk/
01245 326 721
[email protected]

25/03/2026

Finished Project: CCK / Christ Church Kensington📸

The USL team are pleased to share a few more finished photos from this lovely Grade II listed Victorian church in Kensington – Christ Church.

Christ Church was built as an Anglican parish church in 1870, and designed by W&G Audsley. The external walls of the Tower are constructed in Kentish Ragstone with Bath stone quoins, window surrounds, string courses and cornices. The Tower and Spire remain highly significant historical and architectural elements to the Church building and to the wider surrounding Kensington neighbourhood.

This conservation project was undertaken in partnership with Art Architects to address urgent spire/tower restoration, masonry repairs and new stone replacement elements.

Project Overview:

• Maintenance of the Sanctus Bell
• Cleaning to the interior of the spire (using rope access techniques)
• Removal of netting, defrass and cleaning
• External masonry repairs
• Stone replacements (ragstone, dressed stone & ashlar)
• Mortar repairs & repointing
• Internal masonry repairs
• Window improvements
• Chancel Gable repairs
• New Gable Cross

Discover more about the Church:
https://www.christchurchkensington.com/

Learn more about our stone masonry and restoration services:
https://universalstone.co.uk/

Looking for support, call our friendly team: 01245 326 721
[email protected]
Great job team!

27/02/2026

CCK Tower Updates –Scaffolding is coming down! 📸

Behind the scenes at Christ Church Kensington. The USL team are pleased to share a few more progress photos. We have a lovely gable cross, newly carved beasts, heads, grotesques and the team!

We are delighted to be working on the urgent spire restoration, masonry repairs and replacement elements for this Grade II listed Victorian church in Kensington.

This conservation project is in partnership with Art Architects.

• Maintenance of the Sanctus Bell
• Cleaning to the interior of the spire (using rope access techniques)
• Removal of netting, defrass and cleaning
• External masonry repairs
• Stone replacements (ragstone, dressed stone & ashlar)
• Mortar repairs & repointing
• Internal masonry repairs
• Window improvements
• Chancel Gable repairs
• New Gable Cross

Discover more about the Church:
https://lnkd.in/ekYzmiP2

Learn more about our stone masonry and restoration services:
https://universalstone.co.uk/

Great job all those involved!

Looking for support, call our friendly team: 01245 326 721
[email protected]

25/02/2026

Amazing heritage places and organisations are supported by evey day people through National Lottery. 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝗽 𝘀𝗼𝗼𝗻!

If you'd like to see how National Lottery funding is put to good use in your area, you can find a whole range of incredible offers for National Lottery Open Week between 𝟳𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝟭𝟱𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 by clicking on this link:

https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/open-week/offers

Great little place to visit - Our recently completed project at St Mary at Finchley - Grade II*. Offering free guided heritage tours.

https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/open-week/offers/st-mary-at-finchley-free-guided-heritage-tours

This is a great opportunity for players to see the difference they make!



The National Lottery Heritage Fund National Lottery Promotions Unit

Thanks to funding from The National Lottery over the years, we would like to celebrate the players by taking part in National Lottery Open Week 2026 where we will be offering free guided heritage tours of our Grade II* listed…