St Peter’s Church, Wolverhampton
Client: Parochial Church Council (PCC) of Central Wolverhampton
Project: Chancel masonry repairs and conservation of Stained Glass Windows
Location: Wolverhampton
Status: Completion due 2026
Stone by stone, preserving the legacy of Wolverhampton’s most historic church.
St Peter’s Church, with origins rooted in an Anglo-Saxon foundation, is a well-known historical landmark in Wolverhampton. The Chancel, rebuilt in 1862 by Ewan Christian in red sandstone, stands as a testament to the enduring significance of this sacred space. The church, listed Grade I, has long been a cornerstone of the local community, and its care is of paramount importance.
In 2021, Oliver Architecture was commissioned by the Parochial Church Council (PCC) of Central Wolverhampton to conduct a Quinquennial Inspection. The inspection revealed extensive masonry damage to the Chancel, prompting the development of a carefully considered conservation strategy. This plan focused on addressing the widespread failure of stonework, with repairs funded by The Church Commissioners Trust. In February 2024, Croft Building & Conservation commenced work on site, assessing and identifying stone in need of repair.
Client: Parochial Church Council (PCC) of Central Wolverhampton
Project: Chancel masonry repairs and conservation of Stained Glass Windows
Location: Wolverhampton
Status: Completion due 2026
Stone by stone, preserving the legacy of Wolverhampton’s most historic church.
St Peter’s Church, with origins rooted in an Anglo-Saxon foundation, is a well-known historical landmark in Wolverhampton. The Chancel, rebuilt in 1862 by Ewan Christian in red sandstone, stands as a testament to the enduring significance of this sacred space. The church, listed Grade I, has long been a cornerstone of the local community, and its care is of paramount importance.
In 2021, Oliver Architecture was commissioned by the Parochial Church Council (PCC) of Central Wolverhampton to conduct a Quinquennial Inspection. The inspection revealed extensive masonry damage to the Chancel, prompting the development of a carefully considered conservation strategy. This plan focused on addressing the widespread failure of stonework, with repairs funded by The Church Commissioners Trust. In February 2024, Croft Building & Conservation commenced work on site, assessing and identifying stone in need of repair.
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The first phase of the project has centred on the delicate dismantling and reconstruction of damaged stonework. The new parapet panels, hand-carved from St Bees Red Sandstone, complement the original material while respecting the historical craftsmanship. The £800k stonework restoration also includes the installation of new handrails to ensure safe access for ongoing maintenance.
Conservation of stained glass windows
The next phase of the project is focussing on the restoration of the historic windows.
The church’s stained glass falls into three categories:
- Medieval and late medieval stained glass set into diamond quarry leaded lights
- 19th-century stained glass by Michael O’Connor
- Plain diamond quarry leaded lights
The project focuses on conserving the medieval glass, with in-situ repairs to the O’Connor windows and surrounding quarry glazing.
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Medieval panels will be removed for studio-based repair to address fractured glass, weakened leads, and damage from earlier interventions. The most vulnerable windows which show severe bowing, buckling, and non-durable historic repairs will be re-leaded, with fractured glass consolidated using conservation-grade adhesives where possible to retain original material.
On completion, all medieval glass will be reinstalled in manganese bronze frames within a bespoke environmental protective glazing (EPG) system. This will prevent paint and enamel loss, glass corrosion, and lead decay, while prolonging conservation treatments and reducing condensation damage. Structurally sound quarry panels will remain in their original grooves, with any medieval insertions replaced by mouth-blown tinted glass following a simplified medieval line, an established approach balancing protection, legibility, and appearance.
In-situ works will repair the apse windows by Michael O’Connor, ensuring the historic leadwork is preserved.
On completion, all medieval glass will be reinstalled in manganese bronze frames within a bespoke environmental protective glazing (EPG) system. This will prevent paint and enamel loss, glass corrosion, and lead decay, while prolonging conservation treatments and reducing condensation damage. Structurally sound quarry panels will remain in their original grooves, with any medieval insertions replaced by mouth-blown tinted glass following a simplified medieval line, an established approach balancing protection, legibility, and appearance.
In-situ works will repair the apse windows by Michael O’Connor, ensuring the historic leadwork is preserved.
Preliminary research indicates much of the medieval glass dates from the 16th and early 17th centuries, originating from Germany, the Netherlands, and possibly France or Belgium. Acquired in the mid-19th century by Miss Theodosia Hinckes, the collection is closely tied to local social and women’s history. The panels display advanced glazing techniques rarely seen outside elite European workshops, making them of exceptional heritage value.
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In keeping with our conservation philosophy, we aim to integrate contemporary interventions that speak quietly yet meaningfully to the building’s legacy. The goal is to enhance St Peter’s Church for future generations while allowing the architectural layers of its history to remain visible and appreciated.