The development of a replica Roman Fort with intricate oak frame buildings throughout / Town Carpentry Ltd

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Park in the Past in North Wales is an ambitious heritage project recreating a Roman auxiliary fort using traditional materials and construction techniques. We were proud to contribute by designing and creating a series of unique green oak-framed buildings, including the impressive two-storey Principia headquarters. Combining traditional craftsmanship with historically inspired design, these substantial timber structures help bring the Roman landscape to life, giving visitors a rare opportunity to experience the scale, character and craftsmanship of buildings inspired by those constructed nearly 2,000 years ago.

An extensive and highly detailed design process was undertaken for this unique bespoke oak frame, featuring a complex four-sided inverted courtyard with a two-storey house attached.

This project was based in North Wales, requiring our specialist framing team to travel from Kent to bring the project together on site. The Principia at Park in the Past was a particularly complex and unique timber-frame build, and one we were delighted to be involved with.

We have had the pleasure of working with the director of Park in the Past for nearly a decade, and on this occasion we were asked to create the crown jewel of their Roman fort replica. The Principia sits at the heart of the fort and historically would have been used for implementing law, planning and military orders. Given the importance of the building, we invested significant time in the design process to ensure the frame captured the historical details and character associated with a true Roman design.

Once the design was agreed, we undertook the procurement of carefully selected oak and began the frame construction in our workshop in Kent. The completed timber frame was then transported to North Wales, where our framing team began the assembly and construction process on site.

Despite the complexity of the structure, within just one week we had erected the complete timber frame, ready for the next phase of the project to be undertaken by local contractors.

The design and construction required an extensive understanding of structural timber, traditional framing techniques and complex jointing. A wide range of intricate structural joints were carefully designed and executed to create a frame that was not only historically sympathetic, but also strong, practical and built to last.

This project allowed us to draw upon our extensive timber-frame knowledge and experience to deliver a truly unique structure, contributing to the ambitious vision of Park in the Past and creating a fitting centrepiece for their Roman fort replica.

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What our customers say

We take great pride in the quality of our work and the relationships we build with our customers. Read what our clients have to say about their experience working with Town Carpentry Ltd.

The Town Carpentry team are highly skilled in the building trade, with strengths in period properties, oak frames, and traditional construction techniques. Matt and his team offer constructive ideas, supported by their extensive experience in crafting beautiful spaces. A pleasure to work with.

I write this review unsolicited and because I think this company deserves full credit for a highly professional service. Throughout the whole building programme, I found Rob Town extremely competent in the execution of the works and forthcoming with advice and suggestions. Moreover, his team on site were hard working and always approachable and friendly.

Beautiful traditional timber framing. The guys at Town Carpentry are proper professionals with a deep knowledge of their material and generational expertise. They have a deep love for the history of their trade, and it shows through in the work they do.

We think Town Carpentry are a great company and cannot praise them enough. They are involved in the very long project of all aspects renovating our 300 year old Grade II listed 10 room home. They have discussed , listened and carried out work to a very high standard. Especially keeping work to match the design and age of the house. Rob and Matt have a fantastic team of experienced guys and apprentices.

Town Carpentry made an exceptional contribution to our project. From the outset they showed careful and precise planning, coupled with intelligent questioning of our designs, resulting in helpful modifications. Their high standard of craftsmanship and smooth, efficient construction was a pleasure to witness and was coupled with a positive attitude and friendly good humour. I would not hesitate to work with them again.

Amazing carpentry business. My job was low level for Rob who is a master carpenter. I was in awe of some of the work he’d previously done but I was theilled with my kitchen work surfaces and it does show that no job is too small even though I believe Town Carpentry are even designing and making Shepherds Huts! Totally brilliant service and lively people to deal with. Highly recommended.

Having had the privilege to see the work of Town Carpentry and its expert crafters first hand in both residential and historic project contexts I can wholeheartedly recommend their excellent work for any carpentry projects you may be considering. The skill and dedication of the workers is exemplified in the design choices, working methods and aesthetically pleasing results.

We are very pleased with the work that Town Carpentry did for us. Matt and his team were very professional and informative. They liased with us throughout the entire process, which was very helpful. We were very impressed with the level of craftsmanship and the finish that they achieved. We will definitely be using them again for our next project!

Town Carpentry combine a rare skillset with a depth of knowledge and experience that is second to none. We have always valued their friendly approach and their understanding of our scheduling and budget requirements. You will not find better than Town Carpentry!

We engaged Town Carpentry to replace our conservatory with something bespoke. Service was excellent from start to finish working with our specific requirements and within our budget. The end result exceeded our expectations and we are extremely happy. I would not hesitate to recommend them.

Town Carpentry were incredibly knowledgeable and talented in constructing our authentic Anglo-Saxon timber buildings and our much requested foot bridge. It was an amazing experience to see people working with old English oak.

We recently instructed Town Carpentry. The whole process was seamless and smooth from start to finish. The team were incredibly professional throughout and the final product was exceptional and of the highest quality. I would recommend Town Carpentry to anyone.

The Fort Project & Principia