Profile
James Digger
Heritage Stonemason — London, England
James Digger is a young, passionate heritage stonemason specialising in the conservation and restoration of historic stone buildings across England. His work spans cathedral-scale projects to private commissions, always with the same guiding principle: repair with the same precision, materials, and rigour as the original craftsmen.
Trained in traditional stonemasonry techniques and driven by a deep respect for England's greatest medieval buildings, James combines hands-on skill with an understanding of historical context and conservation ethics. His youth brings energy and dedication; his training ensures every restoration honours the original craftsmen's work.
Experience
Stonemason
St Paul's Cathedral, London · Full-time
Nov 2023 – Present · 2 yrs 10 mos
Greater London, England · On-site
Stonemason
Hibbitt Stonemasons · Full-time
Mar 2023 – Nov 2023 · 9 mos
Cambridge, England · On-site
Trainee Project Manager
Universal Stone Ltd · Full-time
Aug 2022 – Jan 2023 · 6 mos
Greater London, England
Stonemason
Stone Restoration Services Ltd · Full-time
Feb 2022 – Aug 2022 · 7 mos
Greater London, England
Stonemason
York Minster (Chapter of York) · Full-time
Jul 2017 – Feb 2022 · 4 yrs 8 mos
Stonemason
Master Mason Matthias Garn & Partner · Internship
Mar 2020 – Jul 2020 · 5 mos
North Yorkshire, England
Internship during coronavirus lockdown — WorldSkills training and commercial masonry experience.
Firefighter
Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service · Part-time
Apr 2017 – Jul 2017 · 4 mos
Huntingdon, England
On-call firefighter — working under pressure and within a team.
Education
Foundation Degree — Cathedral Workshops Fellowship: Applied Historic Building Conservation and Repair
University of Gloucestershire
Sep 2019 – Dec 2021 · Grade: Merit
GCSEs (12 subjects, A-B)
Sawtry Village Academy
Sep 2012 – Jul 2015 · Including Mathematics, English and Sciences
Licences & Certifications
Asbestos Awareness
York Minster (Chapter of York) · Issued Sep 2021
First Aid
York Minster (Chapter of York) · Issued Aug 2018
Cathedral Workshop Fellowship
Associated with York Minster (Chapter of York)
Honours & Awards
🏆 Duke of Gloucester Awards 2021 — Excellent
Worshipful Company of Masons · Dec 2021
Category 1: Awarded to individual masons from 2-10 years' experience who demonstrate high craft skills and potential to grow. Awarded Excellent.
🥇 Gold Medalist — WorldSkills National Final 2019
WorldSkills · Nov 2019 · Birmingham NEC
🎓 Apprentice of the Year — Historic Property Restoration
York College · Apr 2019
Awarded by fellow students for Best Craftsmanship.
🏅 Peter Moore Masonry Award
York College · Apr 2019
Awarded by tutors for Best Craftsmanship.
🏛️ Company Prize
Worshipful Company of Masons
Awarded in recognition of success at the WorldSkills National Final 2019.
Interests
Schools
University of Gloucestershire
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