Scope of Works
Bullen Conservation was appointed to relocate Fusiliers Memorial from its former site at the old Wellington Barracks to a new location in Bury Town Centre, next to the newly established Fusiliers Museum. This move aimed to enhance the monument’s visibility and public recognition.
The process required carefully dismantling the existing Portland stone monument, piece by piece, along with the surrounding York stone paving. These materials were transported to Bullen’s workshop in Oldham, where they underwent thorough cleaning and re-carving to restore the inscriptions.
Additionally, the project included a complete redecoration and re-gilding of all the colours on both flags. Meticulous attention to detail was essential, with a full analysis of the original paintwork conducted to ensure authenticity was maintained.
Relocating the monument presented significant challenges. The new site, a former brownfield area, required extensive foundation work before reconstruction could begin. The rebuilding process itself demanded skilled specialist stonemasons, who used cranes and precision lifting equipment to carefully reassemble the monument.
Despite a demanding schedule, the project was completed on time, ensuring everything was in place for the museum’s grand opening, attended by the Duke of Kent.
Museum curator Colonel Mike Glover remarked, “Now, the monument is visible not only to museum visitors but to everyone coming into the town centre. Its future is secure, taking pride of place in a bustling area rather than remaining a forgotten landmark noticed only by those stuck in traffic on Bolton Road.”
