St. Michael’s Church contains very important 13th century wall paintings that contribute to its Grade II* Listed status. Leaking roofs were jeopardising the survival of these paintings; high damp levels in masonry were also the result of a lack of rainwater goods (wind blowing rain from the roof eaves against the wall face) and a lack of effective below-ground drainage.
Funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund ‘Repair Grants for Historic Places of Worship’ scheme, administered by English Heritage, allowed investigation works to be undertaken. As lead professional Peter Rogan oversaw restoration works.
The works comprised the renewal of old lead with new sandcast lead roofing, laid with hollow rolls rather than batten rolls to make the lead more difficult to steal; an alarm system was also installed as part of the grant aided works.
Repairs to decayed sections of roof structure were also undertaken. Rainwater goods in cast iron were installed, the existing ground level concrete gutter was broken out and replaced with a French drain, and new below-ground drainage laid to new soakaways. Repointing and consolidation of the ironstone walling was also undertaken.
