Historic Architecture and Preservation Efforts
Answers and Feedback
Read the audioscript to see why the answer is correct, and consider why the distractors listed below are incorrect.
The correct information proving the answer is highlighted, whereas the distractors are underlined and in italics.
Audioscript
The restoration team working at Dunbridge Castle was faced with an unprecedented challenge: maintaining the structure’s historical authenticity while ensuring it could safely accommodate modern visitors. The original masonry was deemed too fragile, prompting the decision to employ a type of reinforcing material that blends seamlessly with the aged stonework.
Although the chief architect emphasised that traditional techniques would be used wherever possible, certain features—like the spiral staircase—required more advanced methods. The final phase involved restoring the castle’s iconic stained glass windows, which had suffered extensive damage over the years. Remarkably, a previously unknown window fragment was uncovered, depicting a scene from mediaeval folklore.
Several of the restorers specialised in stained glass restoration, having honed their skills on projects of a similar scale. Despite encountering various setbacks, including difficulties in sourcing authentic materials, the team managed to complete the restoration ahead of schedule.
The castle’s reopening was met with widespread acclaim. Many visitors expressed admiration for the attention to detail, particularly in how the team had preserved the original aesthetic without compromising on safety standards. The most challenging aspect, according to the lead restorer, was replicating the patina on the newly added stone to ensure it matched the centuries-old walls.
Historic Architecture and Preservation Efforts-Questions
To prevent damage to the fragile masonry, the restoration team used a type of (1) __________ that complemented the original masonry.
During the restoration, a previously hidden (2) __________ was found, adding new historical insight to the site.
According to the (3) __________, the most difficult part of the job was replicating the patina.
Answers:
1. reinforcing material
Possible Distractors: aged stonework: another way of saying the original masonry.
2. window fragment
Possible Distractors: mediaeval folklore: this is what the discovered fragment depicted. stained glass windows: these were not hidden, and indeed a lost fragment (not a full piece) of one of these was discovered.
3. restorer
Possible Distractors: team: the team did the work, but didn't comment. visitors: expressed admiration for the work.
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