ABSTRACT
As so little thought has, until recently, been given to floor damage, many practices have arisen which can be avoided. One of the most fundamental difficulties when considering floor protection is the conflicting patterns of use. There are the liturgical requirements of the Dean and Chapter, essential in order to fulfil the primary role of the cathedral; secondly, the needs of the choir, including the provision of pianos, rehearsal and changing rooms; thirdly, the functions which form an integral part of the life of the cathedrals, including concerts, flower festivals, plays and television programmes. Then, there are the visitors, and the shops, signs, collecting boxes, information centres, restaurants, lavatories, brass rubbing centres and exhibitions which cathedrals and churches increasingly wish to provide, and from which they derive valuable income. Finally, there is the maintenance and cleaning of the building partly necessitated by these uses.
