Town Church
Town Church, one of Guernsey’s most significant historic buildings, has been a place of worship since at least 1048 AD. Recent works focused on the 15th-century south transept and spire, but we remain involved in on-going conservation work to the church, in addition to undertaking regular quinquennial inspections.
- Category: heritage
South Transept
Surveys revealed extensive decay in the roofs of the south chapel and chancel, including significant death watch beetle infestation. A full scaffold and canopy were erected to allow careful removal of slates, battens and sarking boards, which were stored for reinstatement with their lichen and patina intact.
Each of the 37 roof frames was recorded, with over 200 carpenter’s marks photographed. Weak joints were strengthened with bespoke steel plates, bolt-fixed to the frames, minimising loss of original timber. While the roof was exposed, repairs were also carried out to the 1822 plaster vaulted ceiling before re-covering.
Spire
Investigations revealed that the spire, including the 1736 bell cupola, had severe decay, with some oak planking reduced to dust. Lead coverings were removed and replaced, and new oak was carefully resin-fixed to restore the spire’s original profile. A stainless steel tube was inserted to support the repaired weathervane, while earlier softwood repairs were replaced, decayed sections consolidated, and a vapour-permeable membrane installed.
Other Repairs
Two stained glass windows were also conserved. Panels were removed, re-leaded, and corroded fixings replaced. Cracked sandstone tracery was reinforced and resin-bonded, then protected with lime shelter coats and tallow waterproofing.
We continue to provide assistance in helping to preserve the Church's historic fabric for future generations.