St Cuthberts, Kensington

We have been Inspecting Architects since 1986. Over the recent years we have undertaken extensive re-roofing and stonework repairs to this Grade II* listed church designed by HR Gough in 1887 which accommodates one of the most remarkable late Victorian interiors.

The works undertaken in 2000/01 were generously supported by the HLF and included extensive structural timber repairs to the nave roof, stone and brickwork cleaning and repairs, the reconstruction of the pierced parapets to the nave and the reinstatement of the copper cladding to the fleche to its original design, complete with crockets, fleurs de lys and dragon gargoyles.

The carved timber reredos was stabilised and cleaned by conservators.

The works to the fleche received a commendation at the John Smith Award for Craftsmanship held annually by the Copper Development Association.

A second phase of repairs, completed in 2004, included re-roofing the South Aisle in Westmorland green slates, rebuilding, cleaning and repairing clerestory windows some of which still contain the Victorian stained glass.