The primary aim of this study was to undertake recording of the roof structure above Staircases 1, 2, 3 and Wardens' Lodgings so that the historic fabric, origin and subsequent development to this part of the college building is preserved by record elements prior to and during the proposed development as outlined in planning application 23/01941/LBC. The recording was undertaken in accordance with an approved Written Scheme of Investigation (JMHS 2024) and was carried out to Historic England Level 2 as detailed in Understanding Historic Buildings: A Guide to Good Recording Practice (2016). Records were made following the conventions outlined in Historic England's Understanding Historic Buildings: A Guide to Good Recording Practice (Lane 2016) and in accordance JMHS Field Manual (2021). Site visits were carried out between March and August 2024 and consisted of the following components: " A written description of the roof structure. " An investigation, analysis and description of the fabric of the roof structure, to elucidate its development. " The creation of a record of the existing structure in its present condition with a more detailed record of surviving in situ and ex situ historic architectural components, employing photography or with the use of existing scale drawings supplied by the client or their agent. The results of close archaeological and architectural recording carried out during the upgrading and refurbishment of the roof structure forming the northern and western parts of the Grade I listed Front Quad of Wadham College, Oxford. The study has allowed to better understand the roof's original construction and for some preliminary conclusions to be made on the significance of this functionally utilitarian, but important roof structure. The elements of the roof have been found to be interrelated in a manner that requires them to have been of one phase, even if constructed in different stages. Signs of later repair, modification and minor alteration were evident throughout the structure and reflect how its primary form and has been adapted over time. Overall, the roof component forms part of a building that possesses exceptional historic and architectural interest as a fine, relatively unaltered example of a college building completed in a single phase and dating from the early 17th century.
P Jones (Mon,) studied this question.