On 9 June 1963 lightning set fire to the thatched roof, A new roof structure replicating the original, using a combination of traditional carpentry techniques and modern technology, who designed and erected the complex scaffolding both internally and externally, and then used 8000 36"-long oak hand-split (riven) battens to tile the roof with over 30,000 hand-made plain tiles. In addition to the new roof a new floor was laid, including a wide strip in
Blue Lias Stone and 44 cubic metres of
lime concrete used to fill the expanses either side. It is said to be the largest expanse of lime concrete flooring anywhere in Europe. The restoration was nominated for the annual
Wood Awards, which recognise and encourage outstanding design, craftmanship and installation in joinery and structures in wood. It was awarded the prize as the Best Use of British Timber Award and Structural Timber Award in 2005. It also received the
Royal Institute of British Architects Town and Country Design Award in the same year. ==References==