September 2024 will see the Bell Cote construction completed. The works comprise repairs to the Bath stone columns in the bell aperture, the removal of damaging Portland cement strap pointing, and the installation of new stainless steel anchors/lead sheet flashing on the coping stones at the top of the tower. Where possible, the original stone has been preserved including the Bath stone columns which have undergone grafted repairs rather than being replaced. Unfortunately, one column was too eroded to be saved using grafting and will be replaced in its entirety. The original will be safeguarded inside the church.
Last year, we began the works by removing most of the Portland cement strap pointing that had been added many years ago. Strap pointing was popular in the 1970s; however, it is detrimental to the stonework and prevents it from drying out properly when wet. The rest was removed in these works and a new bed of lime mortar was added, allowing the joint and surrounding stone to dry properly. Unfortunately, when the strap pointing was applied, the joints between the stones were mechanically ground out creating shallow channels. This may be visible from the ground now that the thick bed of cement is removed and will appear different from the lower levels. This cannot be repaired and now forms part of the building’s physical history.
An opportunity to take preventative preservation measures have also been taken while the scaffolding is in place. These steps will slow further erosion and ensure the building remains safe for many years to come. This work includes the granite coping stones at the top of the tower that were originally held together with wrought iron clips. These clips were corroded and have now been replaced with stainless steel substitutes and a capping of sheet of lead flashing has been added to ensure that the stonework is kept dry. Lower down, the Bath Stone cill directly under the bell was badly eroded and pitted. To prevent further damage, a cill of lead flashing has been added here too. This has been an expensive and long carefully thought out journey but the outcome will mean that this element of the building fabric should remain in good condition for decades to come. Stephen Best, Glebewarden