5 UK historical buildings preserved by wienerberger heritage products

This World Heritage Day, we are celebrating some historic structures that show how wienerberger heritage products; Keymer rooftiles, heritage bricks and pavers, continue to play a vital role in preserving the UK’s architectural legacy.

From castles and convents to historic homes, these are not just structures, they are living heritage restored to preserve the past while building for what’s next.

The iconic 500-year-old home of Jane Austen, one of Britain’s most celebrated novelists had its roof restored using Keymer Kent Peg tiles. The roof tiles were made from Weald clay (a bespoke blend of traditional handmade 90% Antique and 10% Elizabethan tiles) to provide an authentic like for like replacement of the existing roof. The original tiles were carefully reused on the principal elevation, with the Keymer heritage tiles installed to NFRC standards to preserve historic integrity of the building.

Chiddingfold Forge, one of the UK’s last intact village green smithies, was built around 1812 and is now a Grade II‑listed village forge. The forge was gifted to the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) in 1938, and in 2009 residents formed the Chiddingfold Conservation Trust to raise funds for its restoration. To support the project, wienerberger donated some Red Blend Baggeridge pavers ensuring the renovation reflected the building’s original materials and local vernacular. 

Often described as “the loveliest castle in the world,” Leeds Castle is over 900 years old and is renowned for its historical influence and significance. In 2013, the castle underwent a major restoration where the Gatehouse roof was replaced with 35,000 Keymer County Peg handmade tiles. Led by wienerberger in collaboration with the Leeds Castle Foundation, the renovation benefitted from the bespoke heritage tile which was carefully selected to protect the castle’s historic character while ensuring long‑term structural integrity and durability.

The Old Vicarage in Suffolk is a Grade II‑listed property with Tudor origins and later Georgian extensions. A 50/50 blend of Keymer Traditional Elizabethan and Antique handmade clay tiles were used for the reroofing with the aim to preserve the building’s historic character while enhancing insulation and comfort. The craftsmanship involved ensured the roof matched the period style while restoring structural integrity.

The Vyne is a Tudor mansion in the parish of Sherborne St John, Basingstoke, built in the early 1500s for Lord William Sandys, Lord Chamberlain to King Henry VIII. The house was passed to the National Trust in 1956 and later faced serious roof deterioration, which was worsened by a winter storm in 2015.

To protect this historic landmark, a full roof renovation was undertaken using Keymer Traditional Antique plain tiles made from Weald clay. All 71,000 tiles were replaced, chimney stacks rebuilt, and new insulation installed. This was the first major roof refurbishment since 1842, and the tiles were selected to recreate the building’s original roof and ensure it continues to age beautifully for generations to come.

While these projects demonstrate the importance of heritage materials in preserving legacy, they also highlight how wienerberger’s heritage products contribute to restoring historic buildings, ensuring they remain authentic, resilient and ready for the future.

Happy World Heritage Day from all of us at wienerberger UK & Ireland.