Sunday 1st November 2009
Restoration Update - 1st November
Scaffolding is being erected by the contractors, Capps & Capps, and should be complete within 10 days. The first part is an access tower to which a working platform will be built to enable the spire to be dismantled. The top third of the spire, above the gabbetts, will be taken down so that iron clamps, which were put in as part of the Victorian restoration under the architect J. P. Seddon, can be replaced with stainless steel.
At the same time, work has started on rebuilding the drains and soakaways on the north side of the church and re-pointing to the stone walls on the south side. The outside work will continue up to Christmas, weather permitting. The church will continue to be used for Sunday and weekday services until 27th December.
A silver penny, possibly from the 16th century, turned up in the excavations on Tuesday. It has been sent to the National Museum of Wales for identification and dating.
From 4th January 2010, scaffolding will be erected inside the church, the pews will be moved and the organ covered in protective wrapping. Services and choir practice will then move to Grosmont Town Hall.
Once inside, work on the windows and floors, timber treatment and removal of defective plaster will be undertaken up to Easter, possibly beyond.
Released on 01/11/2009 | Permalink