Hambleden’s war memorial stands at the heart of the village as a place of reflection and remembrance. Ahead of the 2025 VE Day commemorations, Hambleden Parish Council entrusted ETSheppard with its conservation.
With over a century of experience in traditional stonemasonry and heritage conservation, ETSheppard has long specialised in projects where craft knowledge and historical sensitivity are paramount. This heritage of skill is rooted in the company’s foundation and continues today in every project we undertake, ensuring that monuments such as Hambleden’s memorial are preserved for future generations without compromising their historic character.
Guided by advice from the War Memorials Trust, we adopted a conservation-first approach. Their principles emphasise restraint: war memorials are not meant to look “new” but to remain legible, structurally sound, and true to their age. Every decision was taken with this in mind.
Cleaning was carried out using the DOFF system, a specialist method employing high-temperature steam at low pressure. This technique effectively removes biological growth while avoiding chemicals or abrasives that could damage the original stone. The result is a surface that is stabilised and easier to read, without erasing the patina that time has given it.
During our site survey, we also identified areas where the memorial and surrounding paving required attention to their structural integrity. At the Parish Council’s request, we repointed these elements using traditional lime-based materials and methods. This ensured that repairs blended seamlessly with the existing fabric, both strengthening the structure and maintaining historical authenticity. The use of these original materials is central to our practice: they safeguard the long-term health of the stone while keeping the memorial visually and materially true to its origins.
The project was carried out in early 2025, following consultation, sample testing, and close communication with the Parish Council and community. On completion, the Council, the Reverend of Hambleden Church, and local representatives expressed their delight at the results. Their feedback reflected not just the visual outcome, but the professionalism, care, and respect for heritage that guided the entire process.
For ETSheppard, the conservation of Hambleden War Memorial exemplifies the values that have defined our work for generations: expert craftsmanship, sensitivity to history, and a commitment to preserving Britain’s architectural and commemorative heritage.
QUOTE:
“ET Sheppard were excellent to deal with from the outset; nothing was too much trouble. Their friendly and attentive staff quickly found solutions to our enquiries. The restorative works to Hambleden’s war memorial were completed to an exceptionally high standard. The attention to detail in the stone masonry repairs was carried out with great skill and care, resulting in a tremendous success.”
Lorna Coldwell
Clerk – Hambleden Parish Council
