The Banqueting House, Whitehall

I went on a fascinating "scaffolding tour" (curtesy of Caroline Wilberforce and Women in Property)looking at the refurbishment of the Banqueting House on Whitehall. Designed by Indigo Jones in 1619 it was the scene of royal masques and the site of the execution of Charles I in 1649. the original palace (except the Banqueting Hall and Holbein Gates) was completely destroyed in a fire in  January 1698 and never rebuilt. Inside there is a magnificent ceiling painting by Rubens.

On the roof they are (amongst many other things) replacing the lead flashings. The lead is removed and sent away for re-smelting and returns in the form of 9 gauge lead sheets. The sheets are about 1/4 inch thick and probably weigh about 45 kg per sq m. As the cant use any form of heat due to the fire risk, the lead then hand to be worked by hand (bossed I think) into the right shape. 

Today's photo is of one of the rolls of lead.