THE skills used to build a famous monastic ruin will be demonstrated this weekend as a top mason revives the 1,000-year-old craft of stone dressing.
English Heritage has invited Geoff Pringle, from Historic Properties Restoration, to show how the techniques employed by the builders of the 12th Century Rievaulx Abbey, near Helmsley, North Yorkshire, are still being used in conservation schemes today.
Rievaulx head custodian John Lax said: "English Heritage has declared this year the year of crafts and skills and we thought it would be fitting to pay tribute to the modern stonemasons who ensure the future of our most cherished monuments.
"A huge range of skills are needed to combat the ravages of time at Rievaulx, some hi-tech, but a surprising number based on traditional methods."
He added: "Masons always create a lot of interest when they are working on this site, so it will be a fascinating demonstration."
The display will be staged on Saturday and Sunday, from noon until 5pm.
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