The Restoration of the Church, 1901–1903 

At the turn of the twentieth century, the fabric of the church was found to be in a dangerously poor condition. Concerns were first raised in the late 1890s, and by 1897 an architectural inspection warned that parts of the building—particularly east of the pulpit—were unsafe for use. Serious structural problems were identified in the chancel, arcades, pillars, roof, and clerestory, many of which lacked proper foundations.

Following several years of planning and fundraising, a major programme of restoration began in November 1901 under the direction of the architects Austin and Paley. Worship continued during the works, with services held in the western part of the nave or temporarily in the school.

The restoration uncovered the reasons for the church’s instability: many pillars had been built directly on soil or over old graves. New foundations were laid to a depth of six feet, and the chancel arcades were rebuilt. Roofs were repaired or replaced, clerestory windows renewed, and the entire building re-roofed and re-slated. The tower itself required careful underpinning, having also been built without foundations.

During the work, significant archaeological discoveries were made, including fragments of early medieval cross-shafts dating from the 10th century, carved stonework, and evidence of earlier phases of the church building. A pre-Reformation altar stone was also rediscovered laid beneath the present altar. This was placed as the altar in the Lady Chapel, (Currer Chapel).

Improvements were not limited to structure alone. The church was re-ordered to support worship more effectively, with changes to the chancel layout, vestries, heating, lighting, flooring, and organ. The tower arch was opened as an entrance, and the Lady Chapel, (Currer Chapel), was adapted for weekday services, with its east window restored.


The church was formally reopened on 18 July 1903 by the Bishop of the Diocese, following nearly two years of careful and complex work. The total cost of the restoration was £4,370, a substantial sum at the time. Remaining debts were cleared through continued fundraising, including a grand bazaar in 1904, and the restoration was fully paid for by 1907.

This restoration ensured the survival of the church for future generations and revealed layers of its history stretching back over a thousand years