Stonework
As
nice
as it is to see a happy couple emerging from their wedding in such a lovely
church, this page is not about weddings, but about the stonework.
You will see that the stone is crumbling, in places it almost appears as if the surface is bubbling. The stone, which is used for ornamentation and capping, has been identified as Oolitic Limestone from the Jurassic period, probably quarried in the Cotswold region. Many older records refer to the material as being Bath stone, but whether this term was used generally to describe limestone, or whether the those subscribing to the building of the church thought they were getting something other than what the builder actually used is open to speculation!
Over the years a thin layer of grime has built up on its surface. This grime
has a sulphur dioxide content originating in chimney smoke from coal and
coke burning fires - surprisingly even a problem in country areas. The sulphur
dioxide reacts with water to form a weak sulphurous acid which in turn reacts
with the calcium carbonate in the stone. Initially a hard surface layer is
formed, but as further reactions occur behind this layer blistering results
(a process known technically as exfoliation).
At times in the past repair action has been attempted, particularly
on the north side of the church, but without lasting success due to incompatible
materials being used. Church records show that some repair work was
done in 1978. The material used appears to be stone dust in a plastic
matrix, the records for the next year report that the repairs were already
failing.
The parish hope to embark on a restoration programme, but are finding it difficult to define an agreed plan - recommendations given vary from "do nothing" to a programme of wholesale stone replacement.
Click on any of the thumbnail pictures to see and read more. |
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