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St Nicholas Church
High Level Repairs
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Rising above the quiet landscape, St Nicholas Church, Worth had long served as both landmark and sanctuary. Its ancient tower and slender spire, visible across fields and rooftops, bore the unmistakable marks of time, weathering, decay, and the slow loosening of materials exposed to centuries of wind and rain. What had once been firm now required careful attention, not to alter its presence, but to preserve it.
DBR was commissioned to undertake a major programme of high-level conservation works, aimed at securing the tower and spire while safeguarding the building’s historic character.
Client
St Nicholas Church, Worth Pcc
Dates
Until 2020
Location
Worth, England
Grade listing
Grade I
Fabric
Lead
Architects
Cowan Architects
Seeing What Could Not Be Seen from the Ground
Before scaffolding rose or tools were lifted, the church was examined from the air. DBR’s Drone Division carried out a full aerial inspection, revealing hidden weaknesses and areas of deterioration beyond the reach of ordinary survey methods. From this vantage point, the repair strategy took shape, guided not by assumption, but by evidence.
Renewing the Skin of the Spire
At the heart of the project was the complete re-shingling of the spire. The existing cedar covering was carefully removed, exposing the timber structure beneath. Sarking boards were inspected and repaired where necessary, ensuring the framework remained sound before new materials were introduced.
Fresh battens were installed, along with bitumen-coated lead soakers and associated flashings, preparing the surface for its new outer layer. Traditional cleft-oak shingles, supplied by W. L. West & Sons, were then laid with precision, each piece contributing to a protective skin faithful to historic practice.
During this process, the lightning conductor was temporarily removed, then discreetly re-routed internally and reconnected at the apex and tower wall. Above it all, the weathervane was refurbished, its metalwork repaired and repainted so that it could once again turn freely against the sky.
Strengthening the Tower Beneath
Attention then turned to the tower itself. Masonry conservation was carried out across all elevations, addressing the cumulative effects of time and earlier repairs. Hard cement pointing was removed and replaced with softer lime mortar, allowing the stone to breathe and move naturally.
Areas of weakened stone were carefully defrassed and consolidated, while existing indent repairs were stabilised using stainless steel dowels set in epoxy resin. Timber louvres on each face were rubbed down, treated with preservative, and fitted with discreet bird netting to prevent ingress. A damaged section of leaded glass on the east elevation was also replaced to match the original.
Working Above a Living Churchyard
To reach these heights safely, a comprehensive scaffolding system was erected, designed in accordance with modern safety requirements and the standards of Ecclesiastical Insurance Group. Protective measures shielded the churchyard below, graves, monuments, and the north-west lychgate were all carefully safeguarded throughout the works.
A site compound was established to minimise manual handling and disruption, and access to the church was maintained at all times. Worship continued beneath the scaffolding, the building remaining alive even as it was repaired.
Recognition for Quiet Craftsmanship
When the scaffolding finally came down, the transformation was subtle but profound. The spire stood secure once more, the tower’s stonework stable, its details renewed without loss of character. The work did not draw attention to itself; it simply ensured the church could continue its long watch over the landscape.
The quality and sensitivity of the project were later recognised with a Sussex Heritage Trust Award in the Ecclesiastical category, a testament to the craftsmanship and care invested in preserving one of Sussex’s enduring landmarks.
