Rattee and Kett
IndustryConstruction
Founded1843
FounderJames Rattee
Defunct2011
FateAcquired
SuccessorMowlem
HeadquartersCambridge, UK
Offices of Rattee and Kett in Cambridge

Rattee and Kett was a building contractor based in Cambridge

History

The business was founded by James Rattee in 1843.[1] After George Kett joined the business in 1848, the partners worked together on the wood carvings for the Palace of Westminster.[1] Other early projects included the reredos at Ely Cathedral completed in 1857[2] and ornate tables, ceilings and urns at Wimpole Hall completed in the 1850s and 1860s.[3]

Projects undertaken in the late 19th century included a new hall and library at Pembroke College, Cambridge completed in the 1878,[1] new lecture rooms at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge completed in 1884[4] and the construction of Our Lady and the English Martyrs Church in Cambridge completed in 1890 as well as the new chapel in Walnut Tree Court at Queens' College, Cambridge completed in 1891.[5] The restoration of Arundel Castle was a major undertaking completed in 1900.[1]

The company was acquired by Mowlem in 1926.[1] Later projects included restoration work at St James's Church, Piccadilly completed after the Second World War,[6] restoration work at Westminster Abbey completed in the 1980s[7][8] and restoration work at Ely Cathedral completed in 2000.[2] Following the acquisition of Mowlem by Carillion in February 2006, Rattee and Kett was the subject of a management buyout from Carillion in March 2007 but went into administration in September 2011.[9]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e "Rattee and Kett" (PDF). Capturing Cambridge. Retrieved 6 October 2017.
  2. ^ a b "Ely Cathedral". Capturing Cambridge. Retrieved 6 October 2017.
  3. ^ "Rattee and Kett". National Trust. Retrieved 6 October 2017.
  4. ^ Venn, John (1901). Biographical History of Gonville and Caius College. Cambridge University Press. p. 148.
  5. ^ "Queen's College". Capturing Cambridge. Retrieved 6 October 2017.
  6. ^ "The Building - St James's Church Piccadilly London". Sjp.org.uk. Retrieved 2017-10-06.
  7. ^ "Rattee and Kett, Builders". National Archives. Retrieved 6 October 2017.
  8. ^ "Westminster Abbey, London". Capturing Cambridge. Retrieved 6 October 2017.
  9. ^ "Rattee & Kett Directors set up their own firm". Stone Specialist. 12 December 2011. Retrieved 6 October 2017.
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