Historic England are a public body who help people care for, enjoy and celebrate England’s historic environment. 

At GNR, our range of specialist roofing services is ideally suited to the restoration of historic and listed buildings.

In fact, working on listed and historic buildings is a passion of ours.

Our roofing practices and methods are adopted from the past.

Our use of rolled lead sheet and traditional slates makes us, as a roofing contractor, ideally placed to assist with the restoration of listed and historic buildings.

Further, we strongly advocate the use of lime mortar for masonry work.

Re roofing listed or historic buildings requires care, attention to detail and sensitivity in relation to the existing building fabric.

Any work carried out to such buildings, should depict a clear timeline of events.

By documenting this online, we are giving a nod to the past using the technology of the future.

Over the last few years, we have been using some of our projects to Enrich The List, an initiative provided by Historic England.

This page is solely dedicated to showcasing our entries to date and will remain under constant review.

Now, lets get on with providing some information and all important imagery to showcase our work on such buildings of architectural interest and importance.

GNR & Conservation

At GNR Roofing Services, we are proud to be recognised as one of the region’s leading conservation contractors, specialising in the restoration of listed and historic buildings. With a deep understanding of traditional roofing techniques, heritage materials, and regulatory requirements, we deliver sensitive and skilled restoration work across Yorkshire and the North East. From churches and civic landmarks to period homes and scheduled monuments, our team works in close partnership with conservation officers, architects, and heritage bodies to protect the fabric and future of the nation’s most treasured buildings.

At GNR Roofing Services, we offer a turnkey solution for conservation and restoration projects, providing clients with a streamlined, expert-led service from start to finish. Our highly trained team is skilled across a broad range of traditional trades, including roofing, masonry, leadwork, and historic preservation practices, allowing us to deliver cohesive, high-quality results with minimal reliance on specialist subcontractors.

As a trusted principal contractor, we’re equipped to act independently across complex heritage projects, reducing coordination challenges and ensuring greater consistency, control, and accountability throughout every phase. Whether restoring a church roof, conserving historic stonework, or managing full envelope repairs, GNR Roofing Services brings together craftsmanship, compliance, and conservation expertise under one roof.

Preserving the Past, Building the Future: GNR Roofing Services and the Historic England Missing Pieces Project

At GNR Roofing Services, we believe that heritage is not just what we inherit—it’s what we choose to protect and pass on. As specialists in heritage roofing and conservation works, we’re proud to align our values with national initiatives such as the Historic England Missing Pieces Project, a campaign that brings together local communities, heritage organisations, and conservation professionals to safeguard the stories etched into the fabric of our historic buildings.

Through our specialist work across the North of England and into the Scottish Borders, we continue to support the aims of this vital project—restoring the physical structure of our nation’s heritage so that its legacy may endure for generations to come.

What is the Missing Pieces Project?

The Missing Pieces Project, launched by Historic England, is a grassroots-driven campaign inviting the public to share personal stories, photographs, and historical insights about local historic sites. These “missing pieces” help build a richer, more inclusive narrative of England’s heritage, filling in the gaps that official records might overlook.

However, behind every preserved memory stands a preserved building—and this is where the work of heritage contractors like GNR Roofing Services becomes indispensable.

Our Role in the Preservation of Historic Assets

While public engagement contributes to the cultural significance of heritage, conservation contractors play a vital role in the physical preservation of the buildings themselves. At GNR Roofing Services, our experienced team of heritage roofers, leadworkers, and traditional craftsmen work to conserve, restore, and repair roofs on churches, stately homes, civic buildings, and listed properties that are central to local identity and national history.

Here’s how we contribute:

Traditional Craftsmanship with Modern Compliance

We specialise in traditional roofing techniques including stone slate, clay pantile, Welsh slate, and leadwork—all completed in accordance with British Standards BS5534 and BS7913, and under the guidance of Historic England’s best-practice principles.

Conservation-Led Approach

Our work is conservation-led rather than commercially driven. This means we focus on minimum intervention, using sympathetic materials and techniques that match the building’s historic fabric and ensure its authenticity remains intact.

Heritage-Approved Materials

We work with like-minded suppliers, including salvage and reclaimed stock specialists, to source historically appropriate materials—something that aligns seamlessly with the ethos of the Missing Pieces Project and sustainable conservation practices.

Why This Work Matters

Restoring a roof may seem like a structural job—but it’s far more than that. When a building falls into disrepair, so does its story. Water ingress, rot, and decay can threaten centuries of history. By securing the envelope of these buildings, especially their roofs, we protect irreplaceable timber structures, interiors, artworks, and even intangible community heritage.

Our work ensures that the places featured in the Missing Pieces Project—from old schools to town halls, mills to manor houses—remain standing, functional, and meaningful in the modern age.

Why Choose GNR Roofing Services for Heritage Restoration?

As a trusted name in heritage roofing, GNR Roofing Services is uniquely positioned to deliver large-scale conservation and restoration projects. Our reputation across Yorkshire, the North East, and into the Scottish Borders has been built on:

Deep Experience with Listed Buildings

From Grade I listed churches to Victorian civic structures, we’ve delivered complex roofing projects with care, precision, and regulatory compliance.

Fully Accredited & Insured

We work in accordance with all relevant conservation bodies, local authorities, and ecclesiastical frameworks, including National Heritage Lottery-funded projects and faculty permissions.

A Collaborative Ethos

We’re proud collaborators. Whether it’s architects, conservation officers, community heritage groups or main contractors, we understand the sensitivities and documentation requirements that come with heritage work.

End-to-End Project Management

From survey to scaffolding to sign-off, we offer complete roofing packages for heritage buildings, backed by our project management expertise and dedication to craftsmanship.

Recent & Notable Projects

We’ve carried out sensitive roofing work across a wide variety of historic sites including:

• St. Mary’s Church (Grade I), North Yorkshire – complete stone slate roof restoration with traditional lime mortar detailing.

• Victorian Town Hall, West Yorkshire – heritage leadwork and slate re-covering in line with council and Historic England guidelines.

• Georgian Manor House, Scottish Borders – extensive re-roof with handmade clay tiles and conservation-style rooflights.

Supporting the Legacy of the Missing Pieces Project

Just as the Missing Pieces Project encourages the public to share untold stories, our work ensures the physical structures behind those stories continue to exist. Each tile we relay, each lead valley we repair, and each slate we salvage contributes to the ongoing life of these historic sites.

By investing in conservation-grade roofing, communities don’t just restore buildings—they reclaim a part of their cultural heritage.

Let’s Build the Future by Preserving the Past

At GNR Roofing Services, we don’t just restore buildings—we safeguard history.

If you’re planning a heritage roofing or conservation project in Yorkshire, the North East or the Scottish Borders, partner with the region’s leading experts in traditional roofing and historic restoration.

Contact us today to discuss your conservation requirements or request a site survey.

GNR Roofing Services
Traditional Techniques. Trusted Craftsmanship. Timeless Results.