Vacancies
Internship in Stonemasonry
and Heritage Conservation
Start date: March 2025
Duration: 6 months
Location: St Mary Magdalene Parish Church, Newark-On-Trent
Fee: £14,040 (£15.60/hour)
Supervisors: Alan Staley Building Contractors (ASBC)
The internship is hosted by ASBC as part of their building and conservation project at the Parish Church of St Mary Magdalene, Newark as part of The Reawakening of St Mary Magdalene, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Please note that the successful candidate will work for the project on an a self-employed basis. The fee is to be invoiced for in 6 equal monthly instalments of £2,340 each.
Alan Staley Building Contractors (ASBC)
ASBC Heritage & Conservation Specialists are a multi award-winning business based in Kings Newton, Derbyshire dedicated to the conservation and restoration of the nation’s historic structures. Specialising in the employment of traditional building methods and crafts, ASBC are one of the first-choice restoration and conservation contractors to St. George’s Chapel Windsor Castle, the National Trust, Historic England, English Heritage, and The Prince’s Regeneration Trust, as well as many places of worship and Private Estates across the country.
Background to the Conservation project
The Parish Church of St Mary Magdalene, Church Walk, Newark, NG24 1JS
Located in the heart of Newark, much of the church’s structure dates to between 1100 and 1525. Four Norman piers and the Norman crypt remain intact, while the tower and the chapel behind the high altar exemplify the Early English style (c. 1230-50). Significant construction occurred during the Decorated style period (c. 1310-50), leading to notable additions like the tower and aisles, which transformed the building’s original cruciform footprint into a rectangular shape.
The Black Death prompted an expansion of the churchyard and halted construction until the fifteenth century. Key features, including the choir stalls with misericords, survived the upheavals of the Early Modern period. Henry VIII’s Reformation of the English Church resulted in the removal of much of the building’s Catholic heritage. In the seventeenth century, the church played a crucial role in the Civil War. Throughout the eighteenth century, repairs were made to the roof, alongside alterations such as the installation of new galleries and box pews.
Gilbert Scott’s restoration of the church began in 1853, with renovations to the south aisle, nave and chancel undertaken by Nottingham architect T.C. Hine. Key alterations included raising the ringing chamber floor, replacing plaster ceilings with oak, restoring 17 windows, and installing new heating and lighting. Ongoing repairs and restoration projects continued throughout the twentieth century, including the addition of a World War One memorial chapel.
The stonemason intern will mainly be focussed on the external repair of the building. This will include Banker and Fixer masonry, carving new and repairing existing Grotesques, structural repairs and stabilisation, mortar repairs, stone cleaning using restorative techniques, and lime mortar re-pointing. Internal works will include the relocation and conservation of historic memorials and fonts.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. The Reawakening of St Mary Magdalene is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to begin essential repair work to remove our building from Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register, and breathe new life into an ancient church.
Aims of Internship
The internship aims to provide a suitably qualified person with six months practical experience in stonemasonry. Working under the supervision of the ASBC team, the intern will have the opportunity to gain additional knowledge and develop practical skills that will help them develop their career in heritage conservation. The majority of the internship will take place on site and will be directly involved in the repair and conservation of the historic fabric.
The intern will also be involved in planning and delivering public engagement activities offered in partnership with the church. The internship is a two-way beneficial process, so the intern will be encouraged to share their current knowledge and experiences with both the project team and ASBC.
Person Specification
• Recognised qualification in stonemasonry or related subject
• Health and Safety Training, and CSCS Card (desirable)
• High level of manual dexterity
• Self-motivated, reliable and resourceful
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well in a team
• Ability to work at heights
• The right to work in the UK
How to apply
Please e-mail your application (CV and cover letter) to Chrissie.vanmierlo@stmnewark.org, copying in asbc@live.co.uk by no later than
5 p.m. on 17th February 2025.
Informal, in-person interviews will be held week commencing 24th February 2025.
If you have any queries, please e-mail Chrissie at Chrissie.vanmierlo@stmnewark.org
Download a job description here: