Visit to Trinity College Cambridge

The works comprised of extensive yet intricate structural works. This included the temporary stabilisation of the Grade I listed historic structure using tensioned wire ropes. This allowed the existing load-bearing buttresses to be carefully dismantled and rebuilt with masons installing new Ketton stone where necessary.

Further works included specialist conservation repairs to the stained-glass windows, as well as the stabilisation and replacement of the reed and plaster ceiling panels. The spire was also entirely rebuilt, with special attention to retain the charm of the original spire. All of this work was carried out whist maintaining a fully functional dining room below.

                 
                        Outside the Trinity College dining hall

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                         Inside the Trinity College dining hall

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Wren Library

The Wren library, built in 1695 is one of the most important surviving works of Sir Christopher Wren. It is known for housing incredibly valued books, such as the first ever copy of Isaac Newton’s text. This portion of the tour was led by Steven Archer, Head Librarian at Trinity College.

                                                                                             
                                                                    On the grounds of Trinity College

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The library is a single expansive room built over an open colonnade overlooking Neville’s Court. It is credited as being one of the first libraries to have large windows to give comfortable light levels to aid readers. Careful consideration was given to the internal layout of the library, where the bookshelves were arranged to form a series of bays. Each open bay forms a semi-private study space and contains four-person reading desks and stools designed by Wren. This furniture remains in the library to this day.

Excavations in 1970 revealed that the library was founded on inverted brick arches. Located close to the river, this innovative foundation solution was intended to spread loads more evenly across the ground, avoiding the concentration of stresses beneath individual piers and reducing the risk of subsidence.

                                         
                          Inside the Wren library

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                                   Inside the Wren library

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Our thanks to Danielle Smith-Turner, Climate Change Delivery Manager at Trinity College, for arranging this visit, and to Patrick Thouroude and the regional group committee for organising an excellent event.