Stone Work Begins on Betsy Grimbal's Tower

After months of careful planning, surveys and preparation, a major milestone has been reached in the Rediscovering Tavistock Abbey Project with the start of conservation work on Betsy Grimbal's Tower.

The first day on site marked the beginning of the physical restoration of one of Tavistock's most recognisable medieval landmarks. For the first time in generations, skilled conservation masons from specialist contractors DBR Ltd began work on the tower, carefully preserving the historic fabric of this important Scheduled Ancient Monument.

The occasion attracted considerable interest. BBC Spotlight was on site throughout the afternoon, with reporter Jane Douglas interviewing members of the project team and capturing the first stages of the conservation work. Joining the site visit were Tavistock Town Mayor, Councillor Anne Johnson, Matthew Knight from Historic England, representatives of Le Page Architects, who are overseeing the conservation programme, together with members of the Tavistock Heritage Trust project team.

Although the work may appear modest at first glance, every stage follows carefully considered conservation principles designed to protect the tower for generations to come.

The first task has been the removal of vegetation that has become established within the ancient masonry over many decades. While picturesque, roots can gradually force stones apart, allowing water to penetrate the structure and accelerate deterioration. Clearing this vegetation is an essential first step in stabilising the monument.

With the masonry exposed, the conservation masons have begun the painstaking process of carefully removing failed and inappropriate mortar from between the stones. Using hand tools, deteriorated joints are being cleaned out before being repointed with traditional lime mortar, a material chosen because it allows the medieval stonework to breathe and move naturally. Unlike modern cement mortars, lime helps manage moisture within the walls and is widely recognised as the correct material for the conservation of historic buildings.

Watching the work unfold is a reminder that heritage conservation is as much about craftsmanship as archaeology. Every stone, joint and repair is approached individually, ensuring that as much original medieval fabric as possible is retained. Rather than replacing history, the objective is to conserve it, respecting the work of the original masons while securing the structure for the future.

The scaffolding has also revealed views of the tower that very few people have ever experienced. From the top, the scale and complexity of the surviving remains become immediately apparent, offering a unique perspective on a monument that has watched over Tavistock for centuries.

The conservation of Betsy Grimbal's Tower forms one part of the wider Rediscovering Tavistock Abbey Project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England and Tavistock Town Council. Alongside the physical repairs, the project will include archaeological investigation, historical research, interpretation, education programmes and extensive community engagement, supported by more than 150 volunteers who have already signed up to take part.

As the first stones are carefully repointed and the tower begins its journey towards a more secure future, this week's work represents far more than the start of a construction project. It marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in uncovering, understanding and celebrating the story of Tavistock Abbey, ensuring that this remarkable piece of the town's heritage can continue to inspire future generations.