Despite growing international awareness of the presence and significance of ruined buildings and archaeological sites, and the increasingly sophisticated technology available for the collection of data about them, these sites continue to be at risk across the globe.

    Conservation of Ruins defines and describes these risks, which range from neglect, to destructive archaeology, and even well-meaning intervention in the name of tourism. The book provides detailed, practical instruction on the conservation and stabilisation of ruins by structural and non-structural means, as well as describing the procedures and conditions that need to be in place to ensure the protection of our important historic sites.

    In considering aspects of architectural conservation, archaeology and ecology together for the first time, this book provides an integrated, holistic view of this international topic that will be essential reading for those working in this field

    Introduction
    Ruins and their landscapes
    Implementation of a philosophy
    Survey and assessment
    Structural condition
    Masonry consolidation
    Surfaces at risk
    Re-burial and enclosure
    Flora and fauna
    Case study – Herods northern palace, Masada, Israel
    Case study – Guildford Castle, UK
    Case study – Gosport Railway Terminal, UK
    Specifying work on ruined buildings
    The contractor and ruined buildings
    Training for the conservation of ruins
    Interpretation and display of ruins

    Bibliography
    Index

    Biography

    John Ashurst

    "This is a delightfully illustrated book on a subject that is of as much interest to the layman with an interest in preserving our built heritage as it is to the professional and would-be professional conservator. The book is a delight."
    Ecclesiastical & Heritage World