St. Helen's Church - Maintenance Part I

The roof to the south aisle

When I was commissioned by the project archaeologist to undertake a survey of the external fabric of All Saints church in Pontefract back in 1999, prior to extensive restoration of the stonework to the tower, I thought that I was particularly suited to this kind of work.

The roof to the north aisle

Having developed the specialist skill of “stone matching” when working at Triton Building Restoration Ltd. – and subsequently creating the Triton Stone Library – my eyes are trained to detect the subtle differences in the colours and textures of various building stones that have been used in the construction and subsequent extension and repair of historic buildings.

Removing beech leaves and nuts

Following a brief encounter with a few archaeologists in Wath upon Dearne, when I discovered that All Saints church was used to introduce a variety of students and professionals to standing buildings archaeology, I was prompted to undertake a thorough survey of the building stones and construction history of St. Helen’s church in Treeton – where I live - which turned into an investigation of the mediaeval churches in South Yorkshire and the surrounding counties.

The lounge roof

My idea was to try and reconnect with the professionals who work with historic buildings like this, and I have since had various enquiries from churchwardens, architects and local history groups, who expressed great interest in the work that I was doing.

Beech leaves and nuts blocking a gutter to the vestry roof

Although no paid work has arisen from my efforts to date, except for a talk to Aston-cum-Aughton History Group that described my investigation of the mediaeval churches between Treeton and Harthill, having also encountered stonemasons and other tradesmen at work, it has provided me with a great insight into the problems and procedures that are associated with the maintenance and repair of Grade I Listed churches.

Views of the gutter on the south aisle

At St. Helen’s church, having thoroughly surveyed the fabric of the building and undertaken a comprehensive photographic record, I have attended their Coffee Mornings ever since. Intended primarily as an open social event for the community, it is the only time when day to day maintenance of the church is undertaken by members of the remaining congregation who are still both able and willing to do it.

A downpipe

I am not religious, but I like the way that the church still forms the core of a community that was devastated by the Coal Miners' Strike - and from which it is still feeling the effects - and I was soon involved with a wide variety of practical tasks that helped with its day to day maintenance.

A tile to the vestry roof that is in need of repair

Looking up at the village of Treeton from the River Rother, the ‘two-tone’ tower is seen to protrude from a clump of mature trees which shed very many leaves and nuts in autumn and various small branches in winter.

Assessing the condition of the fabric

Especially where the beech trees from the Old Rectory overhang the church roofs, the rainwater goods can soon become clogged and need to be cleaned regularly. At the age of 55, I was much more able to go up ladders and spiral staircases than most of the regular attendees of the church and so I have been unblocking the hopper heads, gutters, downpipes and removing the leaves and unwanted plants from various roofs ever since - as well as keeping my eye on its condition.

Removing an elder sapling