In Pictures: Manor house cracks

Lytes Cary Manor House was home to the Lyte family from the 14th Century until the 18th Century. The Great Chapel dates back to 1348. Thomas Lyte built the Great Hall in the 1460s.

The house was restored by the Jenner family in 1907. Sir Walter Jenner left the property to the National Trust when he died in 1949.

The Great Chamber has been closed to the public for two years for safety reasons. Pic: National Trust

Cracks were first noticed in the south side ceiling by the trust four years ago. The cracks were formed as the ceiling was not moving as fast as the walls.

Wet winters have caused the clay walls to expand whereas the drier summers are forcing the walls to contract. Workers have had to replace the roof tiles in order to correct the fault.

The National Trust hopes to prevent further damage by suspending the ceiling with a collection of specially-installed wires which are attached through washers.

It is hoped the wires will give the ceiling move flexibility and stability.

Construction began on 30 October and is due to be completed when the house reopens on 21 March.