Restoration of the north aisle windows

October 2025

In September, the stonemason from Spectrum Stone returned to the church to complete the work on the stonework in the windows. Stone used was sourced from Peterborough and France.

The window under repair in the workshop

The stonemason at work on one of the windows

Once the stonework was completed, the glazier returned in early October. His team worked over three days in the church to complete the windows. The result is amazing! The joy of being able to see through the glass to the autumn trees in the churchyard has been experienced by all who have called in to see the restoration.

Completed window 2 showing casement

Completed window 3

Whilst the work was being undertaken, some interesting graffiti was revealed. In the stonework of Window 3, we found reference to David Punt, Westhorpe 1870. Research revealed David to be a blacksmith who lived at The Crown, Westhorpe where his father was the innkeeper. At this time, there was a smithy alongside the inn.

Whilst the clerestory windows on the north side of the church were being cleaned, more graffiti was found. This time, scratched into the glass was the name Charles Daines, Rickinghall October 1st 1847. Research revealed him to be a glazier.

These findings inspired us to request our current glazier to sign and date one of the window panes which he did. Its good to know that in years to come, this will be another interesting discovery.

The completion of this project, on time in October 2025 has delighted us all and it is wonderful to see the church flooded with light. In addition, the other benefits include :

• keeping the wind and rain out of the church
• retaining of heat and thereby reducing our fuel consumption
• and reduction of infestation.

We are grateful to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the players of the Lottery for funding this work. In addition, we received supporting grants from The Ganzoni Trust, The Suffolk Historic Churches Trust and The Alfred Williams Charity Trust for which we are indebted. In addition, the Westhorpe Cafe kindly raised some funds for us.