As you will see the sanctuary of the church is clear of scaffolding, so I will give you a brief report on the progress of this phase of the church restoration.

The roof of this part of the building has been removed, rotting timbers replaced and then felted, battened and re-slated (fortunately there was no dry rot in this part of the roof). The turrets, east gable, pinnacles and flying buttresses have all had decaying stonework replaced and have been re-pointed.

The lead ridge of the roof has been added, and the decorative wrought iron ridge (which was removed 50 years ago and has been remade from the original drawings of 1870) has been put in place.

The windows of the apse (7 of the 9) have been restored. All the gutters and downpipes have been replaced. Thus quite a lot of what we originally hoped to do has been completed.

The main difference that you will be able to notice is the pattern on the roof, which had been obliterated by the years. Also the outside stonework and the inside of the vault  looks cleaner because of the re-pointing. We have re-gilded the decorative bosses on the inside of the vault which give a glimpse of what the painted areas of the church looked like when the church was new.

Surely this must be the end? No, not yet, I’m afraid! The roof of the eastern side chapels and the east face of the north trancept (all of which leak) need replacing, the central heating system needs a major overhaul; and in an ideal world the re-wiring and re-lighting of the church.

Thank you all for you do to keep the Holy Name a place worthy of the worship of Almighty God, and for your generosity to both its upkeep and to the poor and other charitable works that your giving helps us support.

With every good wish,

Fr Ray

There is additional parking in the University Car Park

at the back of the church.

Monday - Friday after 4pm

Saturday and Sunday all day.

Access is off Dover Street, and costs £2 (2 x £1 coin)