Castle Coole Library saved from flood

Disaster was averted on Monday 11 January when quick thinking staff and volunteers put into practice the National Trust emergency crisis plan to rescue the contents of Castle Coole Library. What was thought to be a small leak in the upstairs bathroom turned out to be a frozen burst pipe and water was cascading into the Library below.

Robin Cornell, National Trust House Steward explained;

“With the report of a small leak in the upstairs bathroom we went, towels in hand, to find a corner of a carpet wet and some water lying in a cupboard. However nothing could prepare us for the scene when we went to check the library below. As the door opened the sound of running water greeted us and I can still see the water glistening on top of the carpet as the shutters opened to reveal the horror of the day. We instantly implemented our emergency procedures, isolating the power and started moving the furniture, together with Lord Belmore's staff.”

Within 15 minutes all movable pieces were taken out of the room and heavier items were covered with plastic to prevent further water penetration. It was estimated that several hundred gallons of water were above the ceiling, so a hole was drilled and several hours later water was still being collected in dustbins, buckets and any available receptacle.

A wet and dry vacuum is being used to remove water from the historic carpet and fans and dehumidifiers to dry out the area.

“We were very fortunate that none of the water reached the books, although there is continual monitoring of the climatic conditions within the room. A rent table, which bore the brunt of the cascading water, was the only casualty, with veneers and stringing lifting with the moisture. The water marks to the floor tell a tale of how far the water reached. ” added Robin.

Much of the furniture was saved from damage by the fact that it was covered for the winter, but it was the speed of the teamwork in its evacuation that really saved the day. A total of twenty people were involved in the operation, although it was the small number of people on the ground at Castle Coole that had the immediate rush to move items.