The Church of Holy Trinity in Kirton was on English Heritage’s Building at Risk Register. Led by AABC (Architects Accredited in Building Conservation) accredited Allan Joyce, AJA carried out a programme of repair works. The Grade II* Listed Church was in an extremely poor condition. Years of deterioration had been brought on by water coming in through the tower, damp internal walls due to the impervious cement render applied to the stone work, and weathering.
The entire project took six years to complete and was undertaken in three phases to coincide with English Heritage’s grant funding process, and fund raising by the PCC.
"On behalf of Kirton PCC, I would like to thank you most sincerely, for orchestrating the renovation works on Kirton Church so successfully. It was felt, unanimously, that we were always in a good pair of hands!"Georgina Batty, PCC Secretary
Phase 1 included works to re-roof the tower, rebuild and replace the stonework to the parapet walls, and re-carve the gargoyles. The gargoyles were removed and then built up in clay to provide a three-dimensional model for the stonemason to carve. The pinnacles, which had been removed for safety, were also reinstated with help from Heritage Lottery Funding. Sand cast lead work was used to cap various features to preserve the original stone detailing.
Phase 2 involved a new hollow core roll lead roof, diminishing course Westmoreland Slate roof to the Chancel and various stone repairs and replacements. Removing the impervious sand cement render was a considerably time consuming job. Its application had prevented the external walls from breathing naturally and had a detrimental effect on the internal plaster. Once removed, stone replacement works with breathable lime pointing were undertaken, to make good damaged areas.
Phase 3 included the removal of the plaster internally and making good, now that the external fabric was in a good condition. The PCC also funded an internal low energy lighting scheme to compliment the extensive conservation project.
Holy Trinity PCC
In 2014 the project was awarded a Community Benefits Commendation for the restoration and conservation works, in the Harry Johnson Awards. The judges gave the project a high commendation “for the high standard of conservation work over many years and the improved community use.” They deemed that the conservation works undertaken used “the best conservation techniques”.
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