Our conservation programme is almost complete……

We are delighted that the capital works in and around the church are now complete other than the return of our Royal Coat of Arms which is still away at the conservators and will be back with us in August. The wall paintings are now showing their vibrant colours and the tombs and monuments have been cleaned and we can see the delicate patterns carved into the albabaster lids and the shields showing the family connections are clean and bright. The monument to Samson Erdeswicke and his two wives has been cleaned and conserved and some old damage to the monument surrounds repaired. This work has transformed the chancel and brings us closer to the display Samson designed to celebrate his family connections and those of his wives. Our beautiful stained glass windows are now back in place protected by new exterior glazing to make them weatherproof and with the dust of decades removed, shine brightly and cast their colourful shadows into the church. Large areas of the internal walls have been repaired and painted making a suitable setting for these new restored items. We are open each Sunday afternoon from 12.30 to 16.00 so do come and take a look. In the current hot weather the interior of the church is cool and a great space to wander around. If you wish, there are always knowledgeable guides on hand to tell you about the history of the building.

Not yet in the church but a sneak preview of the conserved Royal Coat of Arms

Monument to Sampson Erdeswicke and his two wives. Note the boar’s head at the very top has been recovered and replaced with a new nose added.

Wall paintings north wall with detail of conserved tomb lid

Tombs north wall of chancel

West window with repaired and repainted wall