Current Issue
Protecting our heritage from the unexpected: why lightning protection should be high on every church's agenda
Churches have stood at the heart of our communities for centuries, surviving wars, storms and the passage of time. Yet one of the greatest threats to these treasured buildings can arrive in an instant. Every year, lightning strikes cause fires, structural damage and costly disruption to historic buildings across the UK, making effective lightning protection an essential part of responsible church stewardship.
For churchwardens, PCC members, diocesan surveyors, architects and heritage professionals, lightning protection is no longer simply a technical consideration. It is a matter of protecting lives, preserving irreplaceable heritage and ensuring the continued use of buildings that serve their communities.
The enduring value of the outdoor noticeboard
In an age where communication is increasingly digital, it might be tempting to assume that traditional noticeboards have become less important. Yet across the country – from village greens and parish churches to heritage attractions, schools and public buildings – the opposite is often true.
A well-designed outdoor noticeboard remains one of the most effective ways of communicating with everyone. Unlike websites or social media, it doesn't rely on internet access, mobile phones or knowing where to search. It is always visible, always accessible and available around the clock.
Historic ironwork conservation in focus - specialist masterclass explores best practice for churches and heritage buildings
From church gates and railings to memorials, screens and decorative architectural features, historic ironwork plays an important role in the character of many heritage sites. Yet exposure to the elements, corrosion and inappropriate repairs can all threaten its long-term survival.
To help those responsible for the care of historic ironwork make informed conservation decisions, the National Heritage Ironwork Group (NHIG) is hosting a one-day training course, Surface Preparation & Coating for Historic Ironwork, on Friday 9 October 2026 at the Avoncroft Museum in Worcestershire.
Tickets go live for CRE 2026 - free access for Ecclesiastical and Heritage World readers
Tickets are now officially live for the Church Resources Exhibition (CRE) 2026, taking place on 14–15 October 2026 at Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey – bringing together church leaders, decision-makers and suppliers for two days of inspiration, innovation and practical support.
Tickets are free for Ecclesiastical and Heritage World readers using the code EHCOMP when booking. For all other attendees, tickets are £5 each, with 100% of the proceeds donated to charitable causes, ensuring every ticket purchased makes a meaningful difference in local communities.
Read more: Tickets go live for CRE 2026 - free access for Ecclesiastical and Heritage World readers
Underpinning solution safeguards historic National Trust property
National Trust estate Dunham Massey is a site of special scientific interest (SSSI), home to deer, owls, and birds as well as a Georgian mansion. The site’s Deer Barn had suffered with subsidence for 40 years, threatening its structural integrity. As traditional remediation would endanger the legally protected brown-eared bats residing there, the National Trust turned to geotechnical contractor Geobear, who used a minimally invasive underpinning technique to preserve the historic structure and protect wildlife.
Read more: Underpinning solution safeguards historic National Trust property
Anthony J Smith (Gloucester) Ltd - the first fifty years... and counting
This year marks a half a century since the incorporation of Anthony’s company – although his fascination with electricity and lighting goes back further, much further.
Anthony (Tony) recalls that in the late 1940’s when he attended Sir Thomas Rich’s Grammar School in Gloucester, he would spend much of his spare time experimenting with a bare light bulb and reflectors from old heaters trying to floodlight his parents’ rear garden. He also recalls a time when he tried to make an arc lamp himself out of some carbon rods from a number of discarded batteries: the result was a small explosion, a puff of smoke, instant attention from the neighbours and a stern reprimand from his father.
Read more: Anthony J Smith (Gloucester) Ltd - the first fifty years... and counting
Bryn Celli Ddu to host annual Ancient Archaeology Alive! event on Ynys Môn
Step back in time at Bryn Celli Ddu, the famous Welsh passage tomb, near Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, for the much-loved annual Ancient Archaeology Alive! event on the 13 of June 2026.
Bryn Celli Ddu, or the ‘Mound in the Dark Grove’, is a late Neolithic passage tomb dating to around 5,000 years ago, located in northwest Wales, on the island of Ynys Môn. It has a special feature, which means that on the longest day of the year, a beam of light is cast down the passage, lighting up the chamber. This moment is a unique occasion, which links Ynys Môn and Wales with Ireland’s Neolithic heritage.
Read more: Bryn Celli Ddu to host annual Ancient Archaeology Alive! event on Ynys Môn
Historic Whitby Abbey facilities benefit from lift modernisation
One of England’s most famous historic monasteries, Grade I - listed Whitby Abbey, has invested in a lift modernisation by Stannah to offer reliable step-free access to visitors.
Originally founded in AD 657 and occupied by the Anglian community, Whitby Abbey was later rebuilt as a Benedictine monastery. Today, the 7th-century ruins remain a popular heritage landmark in North Yorkshire, now housing an award-winning visitor centre repurposed from a 17th-century banqueting hall.
Read more: Historic Whitby Abbey facilities benefit from lift modernisation
The substance behind the specification
Paul Trace from Stella Rooflight Discusses Why Material Choice Matters in Conservation Rooflights
Conservation rooflights are often judged on aesthetics first. Sightlines, glazing bars, flush detailing and planning compliance understandably dominate the specification conversation, particularly within listed buildings and sensitive heritage settings. Yet beneath the visual detailing lies a far more important consideration that is still too often overlooked within the industry: what is the rooflight actually made from?
USL tower project at Christ Church Kensington named NFB award finalist
Universal Stone Ltd (USL) are proud to announce that they have been shortlisted for the NFB Construction Awards of Excellence 2026, under the category of Remarkable Renovation and Restoration / Heritage and Conservation Project.
Hosted by the National Federation of Builders, these awards recognise outstanding achievement across the UK construction industry and are judged independently by an expert panel. Being shortlisted is a significant honour and reflects the dedication, craftsmanship and collaboration that define their work.
Read more: USL tower project at Christ Church Kensington named NFB award finalist
Re-roofing of Grade Two-listed vicarage in Rosemary clay tiles
Re-roofing in Rosemary clay tiles at its absolute best! Check out this gorgeous property, recently re-roofed with brand new Rosemary clay tiles by Yorkshire-based Green and Heritage Roofing. This historic building was originally constructed in 1873 as a vicarage by Norman Shaw for the Holy Trinity Church (since demolished). Managing director Chris Hopkins takes up the story:
"This beautiful property has since been divided into two separate dwellings. Fun fact: The stone lintel is inscribed with “HAEC DOMUS PERITVRA AEDIF 1873” in Latin which means ‘This house has been built in 1873’. The original red clay roof tiles lasted 150 years!
Read more: Re-roofing of Grade Two-listed vicarage in Rosemary clay tiles
MTA appointed to deliver sustainable heating upgrades at National Trust properties
MTA was delighted to announce its appointment to undertake the refurbishment of heating systems at two significant National Trust properties, Charlecote Park and Berrington Hall.
The projects form part of the National Trust's ongoing commitment to protecting some of the nation's most treasured historic buildings while embracing sustainable technologies that support long-term environmental goals. Both schemes will incorporate modern biomass heating systems alongside carefully considered conservation heating strategies designed specifically for heritage environments.
Read more: MTA appointed to deliver sustainable heating upgrades at National Trust properties
Bespoke joinery in ecclesiastical and heritage buildings
Timber can be the unsung hero in ecclesiastical and heritage buildings. From centuries-old oak doors and ornate screens, to timber windows housing magnificent stained glass, joinery shapes not only the character of a space but also how it functions and performs over time.
At Bakers of Danbury, heritage building contractors, they take great pride in their in-house joinery workshop as it allows them to design and craft bespoke pieces while preserving the history and architectural integrity of each building they work on. Here, Bakers of Danbury explores the key considerations guiding that approach.
Read more: Bespoke joinery in ecclesiastical and heritage buildings
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