The windows and their frames are subject to deterioration over time. The iron window frames and struts react chemically with the stonework and the leaded windows themselves become loose, crack or are broken. Water (and draughts) can penetrate which leads to damage and obvious discolouration on the plaster walls inside the church.
Three large renovation programmes have been completed during the last few years. The west window was repaired and some glasswork replaced in 2007 when the kitchen and toilet facilities were built in the bell tower and the stonework round the east Lady Chapel window was replaced in 2013.
More recently, the crypt windows have been repaired and security grilles fitted.
The Clerestory In 2009 the south wall was repaired, the clerestory windows taken down and releaded and some of the stonework replaced.
The windows were reconstructed using the original glass panels where possible with new leading. This is a highly skilled and painstaking job, each panel being drawn out, the glass positioned and the lead formed around it. All the joints are soldered individually to hold the assembly together.
As is so often the case in churches, the fine detail of the stonework higher up cannot be seen from the ground and the level of craftsmanship appreciated. No effort is spared to produce a result which reflects the dedication shown by specialist church builders down the ages.
The Lady Chapel Window
In 2013 the renovation of the Lady Chapel occured, and the stone window frame at the east end was restored. It had become unstable and the window was in danger of being dislodged from the frame. The window itself was installed in 1898 in memory of James Armitage Bonsor, vicar from 1877-1898.
Although the glasswork was still in good shape, the stone frame on the outside had to be completely recarved by a specialist stonemason. It now appears as good as new (but we don’t know exactly when ‘new’ was – possibly an earlier window frame was ‘restored’ in the victorian era)!
