The Church of St. Helen was declared redundant in the late Victorian period and fell into gradual decay. The nave, aisle and chancel were demolished leaving only the tower and the Norman chancel arch. In living memory the tower roof collapsed and parapet stonework has been lost, and eventually the entire standing structures were engulfed in a deep covering of ivy that theatened to destroy them.
The PCC of St Peter and Paul, North Wheatley took responsibility for the structure and successfully obtained grant funding from English Heritage and Nottinghamshire County Council towards the consolidation of the ruins, now Grade 1 listed and a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
Peter Rogan co-ordinated investigation works, produced the repair specifications, tendered the project and administered the repairs contract. Repairs were completed in summer 2013.
Structural Engineering advice was provided by Adrian Dempster and the Archaeological Consultant was Stuart Harrison of Ryedale Archaeology.
Photographs show the structure when covered with ivy and on completion of repairs.
In 2014 the project was Highly Commended in the Nottinghamshire Historic BuildingsTrust and Council for the Protection of Rural England joint Harry Johnson Award scheme.
