ST. MARY, ADDERBURY, OXFORDSHIRE
This grade I listed building has its origins as a cruciform planned church of the early 13th century. It was enlarged in the early 14th century with the new west tower, widened aisles and remodelled transepts. The tower and aisles include vigorous carving similar to the celebrated work of nearby Bloxham church. In 1408-19, the Chancel was rebuilt and the vestry added, at the expense of New College, Oxford, by the mason Richard Winchcombe, designer of the Divinity School in Oxford. A series of 19th century restorations took place under distinguished architects: the Chancel by J.C. Buckler in 1831-34; the Nave and Aisles by Sir G.G. Scott in 1866-70, and then his son J.O. Scott in 1886.
Following a Quinquennial Inspection in 2013, Stephen Oliver identified the Tower eastern parapet as unsafe. A Heritage Lottery Grant application was successful and a programme of masonry repairs was undertaken in 2018-19. Parapets were rebuilt and two badly damaged carved gargoyles were replaced with new, carved by Simon Smith. There was a programme of careful conservation to the extraordinary 14th century frieze of carved musicians to the Aisles. The contract value was about £300,000. We also carried out conservation of the fine carved gargoyles to the Chancel for New College. The project was commended in the Natural Stone Awards of 2020.
We have also carried out projects to repair a number of windows, as well as working on a proposal for a new heating system.
Following a Quinquennial Inspection in 2013, Stephen Oliver identified the Tower eastern parapet as unsafe. A Heritage Lottery Grant application was successful and a programme of masonry repairs was undertaken in 2018-19. Parapets were rebuilt and two badly damaged carved gargoyles were replaced with new, carved by Simon Smith. There was a programme of careful conservation to the extraordinary 14th century frieze of carved musicians to the Aisles. The contract value was about £300,000. We also carried out conservation of the fine carved gargoyles to the Chancel for New College. The project was commended in the Natural Stone Awards of 2020.
We have also carried out projects to repair a number of windows, as well as working on a proposal for a new heating system.