Restoring the Historic Church’s Pinnacle: Essential Repair

Overview of restoration works at St Matthew’s

This selection of photographs relates to the Historic repair I specified and managed as Church Architect for St Matthew’s.

Storm Pia caused a pinnacle to fall, and the bell frame roof sustained damage.

We sought HE funding from insurance monies and parishioner contributions to repair the damaged pinnacle and roof.

We also took the opportunity to carry out works to the remaining three pinnacles and walling.

Disassembly, assessment, replacement and reconstruction followed, including replacement ashlar, comprehensive high-level repointing and new louvres.

Pre-disassembly of pinnacle - listed church
Pre-disassembly of pinnacle – listed church
200 year old fixings - listed church
200 year old fixings – listed church
Clock face - listed church
Clock face – listed church
High level access - listed church
High level access – listed church
Rebuilt pinnacle - listed church
Rebuilt pinnacle – listed church
Taper stone and cap replacements - listed church
Taper stone and cap replacements – listed church
Tooled ashlar replacement to listed church
Tooled ashlar replacement to listed church
Pinnacle repair dowel, new taper stone and cap
Pinnacle repair dowel, new taper stone and cap

Work on old buildings is a moving target for budget and programme. However, issues and problems are discovered as the fabric is removed, making management challenging.

The stonemason contractor’s skill and the client’s support kept the project on track. This Historic repair work proved beneficial for the community.