Work is proceeding at pace and should be completed in the next month or so, hopefully before the end of August. A few photos of the ongoing works are below, along with an interesting discovery.
Witham on the Hill Stocks - Methodology of Works
The proposed methodology in undertaking the proposed works to the stocks in order to provide a safe working environment and satisfactory conclusion to the project commences prior to the works with planning the sequence of works off site.
The list below are the fundamental items that will be considered and resolved during the project.
The sequence of works are listed below:
• Set up site compound and welfare facilities – the authority owns and maintains the public open space adjacent to the stocks so a safe compound area can be set up to provide welfare and storage for materials.
• The stocks are to have the Heras fencing panels extended out to provide a working space around the area to ensure the safety of the public and to prevent accidental entry into the working area.
• Prior to commencement of the works a full assessment is to be made of the current propping arrangement and ensure that this is still suitable. Should further temporary propping be necessary then this will be undertaken prior to any stripping works.
• Once the stability of the structure is confirmed the proposed works can be commenced with the stripping of the existing roof covering. As this comprises of diminishing courses of Collyweston slate it is imperative that these are stored in the correct coursing rows within the storage compound.
• Once all the roof covering has been removed and set aside for reuse it will mean that the supporting columns can be straightened up as much as possible ensuring all tenoned joints are sitting correctly.
• The repair to the feet of the 4no columns can then be commenced with the removal of any decayed wood to the bottom of the legs and replaced with seasoned oak of same dimensional sections as the original and tenoned to provide a solid joint.
• It is anticipated that minimal works will be required to the bracing at ground level but this will be checked and repaired in a similar manner if required.
• Once the timber frame has been repaired works to the roof covering will commence.
• The removed slates are to be carefully cleaned of the original mortar still attached to them prior to refitting.
• The roof is to be commenced at the eaves and using the same coursing as original be reinstated complete with lime mortar to replicate the original both in colour and consistency.
• Any shortfall in slates are to be replaced with Collyweston slates to match.
• Upon completion of the works including removal of all temporary supports and after a full inspection the Heras fencing is to be removed and the monument opened back up to the general public.
• The compound is then to be removed and any ground reinstatement carried out.
This work is on the condition that it will be completed within a 3 year timescale from the date of the consent form being signed which was December 2025 and so the date for completion must be before December 2028.
June 23rd 2026 - With the roof removed and the timbers fully exposed, it was clear to see the amount of damage the stocks had endured over the years. New batons were added due to water ingress rendering the old timber useless. The four pillars had developed a great deal of rot and new anchor points would be necessary to provide a firm footing for the structure in the future.
This image shows work underway in fitting the new anchor points, repeated for each pillar.
An unusual find under the capping stone of the existing slate tiles is this piece of history. 
It is most likely a craftsman's or contractor's identification plate. This was common for roofers, carpenters and joiners at the time to leave their name and the date hidden inside a building or structure, being the equivalent of signing their work. This inscription reads: W Smith,
Slater, Collyweston, July, 1912
To complement this from 1912, the current contractors have also left their mark with the following inscription
From Mid July onwards, work has been progressing and the image below shows the amount of detail required, even for a relatively small roof covering.
