Bayeux Memorial: Renovations & protection for the future
Renovation works have begun at the Bayeux Memorial to safeguard it for the future so it may continue forever commemorating the missing of the Normandy Campaign.
We are currently carrying out important restoration works on the Bayeux Memorial
Following soil studies, structural surveys of the existing foundations and monitoring of cracks over one year, it appeared the initial foundations were undersized to support the weight of the building which was beginning to move causing the cracking.
Additionally, the memorial is not entirely made of cut stone, but of reinforced concrete faced with cut stone leading to problematic interactions between the two materials over time.
The restoration works In association with RMG Architects, form part of a long term, carefully planned programme designed to ensure that we can continue to honour the nearly 1,800 service personnel commemorated here with dignity. The project will take approximately four months fixing ongoing foundational and rainwater management issues, protecting the memorial for decades to come.
As the works commenced, an "umbrella" scaffold was erected to protect the site from the weather while the works take place. The scaffold was covered with an explanatory construction tarpaulin to inform visitors of the works and featured a 23 metre long life-size trompe-l'œil photograph of the memorial printed on the facade. A recyclable wooden fence with temporary register boxes was also installed ensuring the names commemorated on the Memorial were still available for visitors.
The works involve injections of expanding resin used to consolidate and reinforce the soil’s load-bearing capacity, thereby strengthening and stabilising the foundations.
A complete redesign of the rainwater collection and drainage system is taking place with the installation of gutters at the rear of the building. This is designed to channel rainwater away from the existing foundations to preserve the load-bearing capacity of the soil supporting the building and preventing any water infiltration into the foundations. A new drain is also being installed to help improve drainage around the Memorial.
Horticulture will play an additional role in safeguarding the Bayeux Memorial as part of the rain protection system, with a 3-metre area of vegetation to the rear cleared and a new root barrier installed to protect the rain collection structures. Small trees and shrubs surrounding the area will also be removed, with evergreen shrubs planted in their place. Further horticultural improvements will be made to the wider Bayeux Cemetery site, including the removal of lime trees, replaced by a variety of new species.
The roof has undergone extensive treatment with particular attention paid to ensuring maximum longevity to the building. The roof's waterproofing has been completely renewed using high-quality, durable materials with lead and copper aiming to provide effective coverage for the next seventy years.
Our expert stonemasons and maintenance teams are an important part of this renovation repairing and cleaning the stonework and name panels where necessary, while examining, polishing and mending any metalwork and wooden fixtures requiring attention. The works are scheduled to be completed by the end of July 2026.
These measures will ensure the Bayeux Memorial, which has stood since 1955, will remain the primary point of commemoration for 1,795 Commonwealth servicemen of D-Day and the Normandy Campaign who sadly have no known grave.
Please keep an eye on our social media channels for more updates as the works progress or subscribe to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission newsletter for more information on this and our other projects.
