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To access all areas, take the aerial route

East Anglia is home to some of the most precious ancient churches in England – a good number of which date from the Saxon period. It is no surprise, therefore, that some of the most innovative methods for ensuring their continued good condition are to be found there.

One deployment of modern technology is the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, to overfly sites in need of examination.

Geophysical survey at Bungay Castle

In July and August 2017 Suffolk Archaeology undertook three detailed geophysical surveys within the bailey of Bungay Castle, Bungay, Suffolk at the request of Historic England and the Bungay Castle Trust.

The aim of the project was to identify potential archaeological features or former buildings relating to the occupation of the castle, within a 0.24ha area of lawn, and to compare the results from modern equipment with those from a previous geophysical survey carried out in 1990.

Protection given to legendary Welsh well with healing powers of St David

A holy well covering a spring that is said to have arisen during the baptism of Wales’s patron saint, St David, has become the latest monument to gain scheduled protection from the Welsh Government’s historic environment service (Cadw).

The Pembrokeshire monument is known as ‘Pistyll Dewi’ or ‘Ffynnon Dewi’ and the water there is said to have restored the sight of St David’s godfather, who held the baby for the baptism.

A stone built, squared off wellhead is repeatedly associated with the remains of a chapel, with some accounts saying the water is sanctified by running under the chapel’s altar.

Murdoch winner 2017 keeps the roof watertight for Sotheby's

The LCA has held awards for best work from its members for the last 21 years. The Murdoch Sponsors Award was added some ten years ago for the smaller installations that used less than five tonnes of lead sheet, but which could be equally as demanding of the leadworker’s skills as the larger, more eye-catching projects.

Shingles in-spire church renovation

When Grade II* listed All Saints Church in the North Yorkshire hamlet of Burton-in-Lonsdale needed a roof renovation, the architects for the Anglican church turned to JB Shingles from Marley Eternit to deliver a rustic look that harmonised with its surroundings.

The distinctive broach spire, originally built in 1876, had been suffering from weather erosion and needed extensive repairs and renewal, in particular to the shingle cladding, as it was around 60 years old. A substantial grant was secured from the Department for Culture, Media & Sport.

Dernier & Hamlyn’s lesson in heritage lighting for world renowned College

Dulwich College in south London was established in the 17th Century and is famous not only for its superlative academic provision, but also for its historic buildings including the impressive Great Hall. The Hall is the centrepiece of the school community and was designed around 1870 by Charles Barry, whose father designed the Houses of Parliament.

Recently Dulwich College’s COO Simon Yiend led an initiative to reimagine the lighting design in the Great Hall to help to restore its original perspective. This included making this spectacular room’s lighting more appropriate to its heritage and also more efficient. Bespoke lighting specialist Dernier & Hamlyn was asked to utilise the knowledge its engineers and craftsmen have built up over many years to propose an appropriate solution. They advised installing the light fittings on rods that were attached to the ceiling at the same points as Barry’s gas lights to minimise the effect on the building’s structure while optimising lighting levels.

Spray applied insulation: high performance heat loss mitigation

Paddy Leighton, UK director for spray foam insulation specialists Icynene, looks at heat loss in buildings and how new, high performance insulation systems can improve comfort levels in old and so called ‘difficult to treat’ buildings.

Are you considering improved lighting? Discuss the options with Anthony J Smith (Glos) Ltd

St Wilfrid’s RC Parish Church in Preston city centre is a Grade Two*-listed Jesuit church which draws a substantial number of worshippers throughout the week. It is basilican in form and Italianate in style, with a particularly ornate and impressive interior carried out in exotic materials.

Frank Roberts of Preston-based Francis Roberts Architects said of the interior: “Ranks of giant columns of polished Shap granite, topped with gilded composite capitals, define the nave, which terminates in a semi-domed and coffered apse. The aisle walls are lined in rich marbles and mosaics and there is an impressive display of stained glass.”

Last summer the church embarked on a project to install a new lighting system and redecorate the interior, under the direction of Francis Roberts Architects.

St Thomas the Apostle – battling the elements!

In January Stockport-based Aura Conservation Ltd were appointed to carry out the restoration of the Grade II listed 19th century parish church of St Thomas the Apostle in Heptonstall. The gothic style church stands alongside the ruin of the previous 13th century Church of St Thomas à Beckett with three adjacent churchyards.

Advancing architectural ironmongery

The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) is the only trade body in the UK that represents the interests of the whole architectural ironmongery industry - architectural ironmongers, wholesalers and manufacturers.

Its reputation is built on three key areas: education, technical support and community. Its qualification, education and CPD programmes are widely respected in the UK and overseas, including GCC and Hong Kong.

Gutters ready for Autumn?

Every November SPAB (The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings) promote ‘Maintenance Week’ to encourage us to take a look at the buildings we are responsible for and consider spending a little time and money on their care. After all, we all expect regular maintenance checks to keep our cars in good shape – so why not our homes?

Gutters protect our buildings – our most valuable assets, whether ancient or not - Gutters manage the flow of rainwater away from our roofs, walls and foundations keeping them dry and preventing costly damage/repairs.

Stained glass experts play their part in Royal Shakespeare Theatre refurbishment

Ark Stained Glass & Leaded Lights Ltd were approached to work on the Royal Shakespeare Theatre as part of their huge refurbishment project.

Part of the work was to take out a number of leaded lights and steel casements, strip and relead the windows, replacing any broken glass, and restoring the casements.

Seating guidance from ChurchCare

One of the most frequent changes made to churches today will involve seating in some way. Changing seating inside a church can have a significant impact upon the interior. The process of changing furniture, as well as choosing a suitable alternative, requires careful consideration. ChurchCare publish a document intended to guide parishes through the planning stages and the decisions involved.

The decision to remove pews should be made on a case by case basis following careful assessment of significance, needs and impacts. If the decision is taken to replace existing seating in a historic church building, then the Church Buildings Council aspires to seeing replacement chairs or benches of the highest quality of design.

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