UK Construction Journal - Issue 1 - April 2026 - Flipbook - Page 55
Despite the scale and prestige of these projects, the principles
of the company remain much the same as when William
Baker first set up his workshop in 1878. The careful skills of
masonry, carpentry and traditional construction are still central
to its work, and the passing of knowledge from experienced
craftsmen to apprentices ensures that these techniques
continue into the future.
Continuing the Tradition
More than 140 years after its founding, Bakers of Danbury
continues to carry out construction, conservation and
restoration work across the region. The company remains
focused on careful workmanship, appropriate building
methods and the skills required to work with historic buildings.
A Timeline of Heritage Projects
A selection of projects showing Bakers of Danbury’s growing
expertise in church conservation and heritage restoration over
more than a century.
Relocating an Iron Church, 1887
A prefabricated iron church originally built at Gay
Bowers Manor was dismantled and transported to
Maldon before being sent on to Parkeston for re-erection.
Moving and rebuilding the structure was a significant
logistical task and demonstrated the company’s early
skill in complex projects.
St Lawrence Jewry
© Bakers of Danbury
Danbury Church Spire, 1922
One of the firm’s first major restoration projects was the
repair of the spire of St John the Baptist Church, Danbury.
Heavy timber scaffolding was erected some 60 feet
above ground. When the weather vane was finally
raised, the Rector offered a prayer of thanksgiving, and
those present, including the architect, contractors, and
workmen, all joined in singing a short hymn of praise to
mark the occasion.
Waltham Abbey Restoration, 1961–1964
By the early 1960s, Bakers of Danbury’s reputation for
church conservation had grown across Essex. Work
on Waltham Abbey was recognised by the Essex,
Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Society of Architects
for the high standard of stone masonry carried out by the
company’s craftsmen.
Bakers of Danbury Ltd
Heritage builders since 1878
High quality craftsmanship
CONSERVATION | RESTORATION | NEW BUILD
St Lawrence Jewry, City of London, 2021 - 2023
The company’s work at St Lawrence Jewry, a major
City of London church, brings its heritage expertise
full circle. This extensive project involving stonework,
reroofing and restoration of historic features such as the
clock face and weathervane shows the continued focus
on conservation and tradition, building on decades of
learned craftsmanship throughout its 145-year history.
01245 225876
bakersofdanbury.co.uk
info@bakersofdanbury.co.uk
UK CONSTRUCTION JOURNAL
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As a Principal Contractor, we offer:
Heritage conservation and restoration work
Modernisation, extensions, conversions
Roofing, spire and structural repairs
Masonry repair, carving and cleaning
Bespoke joinery and furniture
s
Our project management team and tradesmen have long been
associated with the finest historic and listed buildings, churches
and monuments throughout London and the South East.
