Booths Stonemasonry & Masonry Conservation Ltd is a specialist stoneworking and historic building conservation practice based near Lincoln. Led by stonemason Paul Booth, the company undertakes architectural stone repairs, traditional banker and fixing masonry, conservation surveys, carved-stone restoration and related work on historic buildings, monuments and architectural features.
Its services bring together practical craftsmanship and informed conservation assessment. The company works with property owners, architects, heritage professionals and organisations responsible for the care of traditional and listed structures. Alongside masonry conservation, its published profile identifies access to complementary heritage trades, including traditional timberwork, lead roofing, leaded-glass repairs and blacksmithing.
Conserving architectural stone requires close attention to material condition, causes of deterioration, original construction and the significance of surviving fabric. Booths undertakes the repair and restoration of historic masonry, including the replacement of damaged or missing stonework where retention is no longer practical.
Works may involve careful assessment of weathered or fractured stone, preparation of replacement elements, localised stone indents and the resetting or fixing of architectural components. The approach to each commission depends upon the type and condition of stone, its exposure and its relationship with adjacent building materials.
For older buildings, interventions should preserve serviceable original fabric wherever possible and use repair materials compatible with the existing structure. Traditional detailing and the accurate reproduction of architectural profiles are particularly important on listed buildings and sensitive heritage sites.
Banker masonry and fixing are central to the company's professional background. Banker masons shape natural stone to specified dimensions and profiles, while fixing masons install and secure stone components within buildings and structures.
Paul Booth's career includes extensive experience producing architectural stonework, setting out, taking templates, preparing cutting schedules and supervising stone installation. These skills are particularly valuable when replacing individual historic elements that must match the geometry, surface finish and setting-out of surrounding original masonry.
Typical work can encompass dressed blocks, architectural mouldings, window and door surrounds, stone copings and other features requiring accurate cutting, finishing and fitting. Appropriate stone selection and careful installation are essential to the durability and appearance of the completed repair.
Booths undertakes specialist stone carving and restoration work involving architectural ornament and historic sculpture. Hand-carving techniques remain important where missing or damaged features must be recreated with sensitivity to their original design and workmanship.
The company's work on the historic stone lions at Weelsby Woods in Grimsby demonstrates its expertise in sculptural stone repair. The two sculptures, originally commissioned in 1876, are well-established landmarks at the park entrance.
Following serious damage to one lion in 2023, specialist repair work was undertaken by Paul Booth and colleagues, including research into compatible replacement stone and the careful reconstruction of damaged sculptural elements. A subsequent commission restored the face of the second lion so that the pair once again formed a coherent composition.
North East Lincolnshire Council announced completion of the second restoration in April 2025. The project illustrates the importance of historical research, accurate carving and community involvement in conserving familiar public monuments.
The company offers specialist consultation, building conservation surveys and written reports. These services help clients understand the condition of existing stonework and identify appropriate options for repair or further investigation.
Surveys may consider the distribution and extent of defects, the condition of stone joints and fixings, previous interventions, water-related deterioration and areas where masonry has become unstable or vulnerable. Recommendations are informed by practical knowledge of stoneworking methods and the requirements of individual buildings.
Paul Booth's published professional experience includes organising works, preparing tender information, coordinating materials and access, liaising with architects and advising on stone selection. These capabilities support the progression of conservation projects from initial assessment to implementation on site.
Joint repairs form an important element of masonry conservation. Historic stone walls commonly rely on mortars that differ in strength and permeability from modern cement-rich mixes; inappropriate previous pointing can increase the risk of damage to adjacent masonry.
The company's traditional masonry skills are relevant to localised repointing and associated repair work, including the reinstatement of failed joints and replacement of defective stone components. The selection of mortar type, aggregate, colour and finish should always be based on the construction and exposure of the building concerned.
Repairs to historic stonework are often most effective when coordinated with measures addressing the underlying cause of deterioration, such as defective drainage, displaced flashings or movement within the structure.
In addition to its principal stonemasonry work, Booths' published directory information describes related conservation capabilities in timber restoration and framing, lead roofing, leaded-glass repair and cleaning, and traditional blacksmithing.
These disciplines can be relevant where the repair of historic stonework intersects with roof weathering, timber structures, glazing or iron components. The precise availability of associated crafts and arrangements for their delivery should be confirmed for individual projects.
Paul Booth's professional experience includes senior stonemasonry and conservation roles at two of England's most significant medieval cathedrals. These appointments preceded or were separate from commissions undertaken by the present limited company.
At Lincoln Cathedral he worked as a banker and fixing mason and team foreman before serving as Head of Stonemasonry and Conservation and Quarry Manager from 2015 to 2017. His responsibilities included supervising masons, coordinating architectural repairs, overseeing stone production and contributing to the training of apprentices.
From 2021 to 2022 he held an interim, part-time architectural conservation project management role at York Minster, including oversight of ongoing works, stone selection and coordination of specialist craftspeople. Earlier work encompassed architectural stone production, site fixing and restoration in the United Kingdom and Australia.
These appointments demonstrate substantial individual experience in historic stone construction, conservation project delivery and the management of skilled masonry teams.
The practice contributes to the transmission of traditional building skills through apprenticeships and practical learning. Historic England Foundation has documented Paul Booth guiding an apprentice in carving a stonemason's mark at St Mary's Guildhall in Lincoln.
Booths also offers introductory practical courses in traditional stone letter cutting and lime pointing from its workshop location at Marlborough Farm in Aubourn. These activities introduce participants to the materials, tools and methods associated with established masonry crafts.
Passing on such skills is essential to the continuing availability of craftspeople capable of conserving architectural stone and historic monuments using informed, hands-on methods.
Booths Stonemasonry & Masonry Conservation works with clients seeking specialist advice, architectural stone repairs or carefully executed traditional masonry. Its services are relevant to churches, historic houses, civic buildings, monuments, memorials and listed structures requiring attention to original materials and craftsmanship.
Based in Lincolnshire, the company has a professional background in major heritage sites and undertakes specialist work for clients beyond its immediate locality, subject to project requirements. Its combination of stone conservation skills, research-led sculptural repair, craft training and project coordination makes it a useful resource for the maintenance of Britain's built heritage.
| Services & Expertise | |
|---|---|
| Principal Areas of Work: | Historic Building Conservation, Traditional Stonemasonry, Architectural Stone Conservation, Historic Masonry Restoration, Listed Building Stonework, Stone Carving and Sculpture, Stone Monument Restoration, Ecclesiastical Stone Conservation, Architectural Stone Repairs, Traditional Repointing, Stone Replacement and Indenting, Historic Facade Repairs, Masonry Condition Surveys, Conservation Consultancy, Stone Cutting and Fixing, Traditional Stone Lettering, Memorial Conservation, Heritage Craft Training, Historic Building Repairs |
| Capabilities and Specialisms: | Banker Stonemasonry, Fixing Stonemasonry, Architectural Stone Cutting, Traditional Stone Carving, Stone Indenting, Historic Stone Replacement, Architectural Moulding Repairs, Stone Window Surround Repairs, Stone Arch Restoration, Stone Condition Assessments, Historic Masonry Surveys, Conservation Reports, Stone Material Selection, Stone Templates and Setting Out, Masonry Cutting Schedules, Traditional Lime Pointing, Historic Stone Joint Repairs, Stone Sculpture Restoration, Monument Repairs, Stone Letter Cutting, Heritage Masonry Project Management, Cathedral Masonry Conservation, Ecclesiastical Stonework, Traditional Craft Training, Apprentice Stonemasonry Training |
| Accreditations, Certifications & Memberships : | NVQ Level 2 Stonemasonry, NVQ Level 3 Banker Stonemasonry, Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS), Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS), Quarry Passport, IPAF Operator Training |
| Accreditation & Membership Details: | Professional Stonemasonry Qualifications - Paul Booth's published professional background records National Vocational Qualifications at Levels 2 and 3 in banker stonemasonry, obtained through training at York College between 1993 and 1996. Professional Conservation Experience - Paul Booth previously served as Head of Stonemasonry and Conservation at Lincoln Cathedral and subsequently held an interim architectural conservation project management role at York Minster. |
| Geographical Areas Covered: | Lincolnshire, Lincoln, Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire, East Midlands, England, United Kingdom |
| Contact & Online Presence | |
| Mobile: | +44 (0) 7732 325931 |
| Contact(s): | Paul Booth – Director and Conservation Stonemason |
| Email: | admin@boothsmasonryconservation.co.uk |
| Business Details & Insurance. | |
| Company Trading Name: | Booths Stonemasonry & Masonry Conservation Ltd |
| Company Number: | 14757307 |
