Latest recruit at Wells Cathedral Stonemasons is a French qualified mason, who worked on the restoration of Strasbourg Cathedral.

Guillaume Barcq (24) has joined Cheddar-based Wells Cathedral Stonemasons to work on restoration projects for Leeds Castle and Winchester College.

His arrival is the latest Euro-connection for the Somerset company, which has included recent placements for five German stonemasons.

According to Peter Arkell, Managing Director of Wells Cathedral Stonemasons: “We are one of the few remaining UK stonemasons to take an active part in the European tradition of travelling masons. German masons still undertake a journeyman approach to training, so we have been happy to welcome three men and two women treading that path”.

Guillaume Barcq, a French “companion de devoir”, approached Wells Cathedral Stonemasons, having previously worked in France with Simon Armstrong, now the company’s Director responsible for training..

“We were already exploring the idea of creating an Anglo-French exchange programme, enabling French masons to gain experience in the UK and British masons to work in France. Guillaume’s arrival has underlined the potential for that idea”, said Mr Arkell.