Please help the PCC raise funds for new windows at Minster…
The Forrabury and Minster PCC and the Minster Community Fellowship have been planning for some time to renew the windows at Minster as a way of dealing with a number of existing structural problems at the church and to prevent further deterioration.
The most pressing issue at the moment is splitting of the stonework around the windows – often the weakest part in any building. After discussions with local leaded glass expert, Arthur Bradley, and in consultation with the Diocesan Advisory Committee it has been concluded that replacement of the windows at Minster is the only realistic option.
The most pressing issue at the moment is splitting of the stonework around the windows – often the weakest part in any building. After discussions with local leaded glass expert, Arthur Bradley, and in consultation with the Diocesan Advisory Committee it has been concluded that replacement of the windows at Minster is the only realistic option.
Window Cement
The cause of this problem is the ferramenta – the wrought ironwork on the outside of the windows. This is now rusting badly and as wrought iron rusts, it expands by up to seven times! This puts the surrounding stonework under huge pressure and is causing cracking in the granite, particularly on the bottom part of the windows. The problem is made worse by the way the ironwork penetrates the lead soaker at the bottom of each window, allowing water to accumulate.
Removing the ferramenta is the clear answer. In the context of Minster’s history, it is not particularly old, being installed as part of the major restoration in 1869-71 - partly as a security measure and partly because it was the fashion of the time.
However, it’s not possible to remove the ferramenta on its own as the window panels are wired onto it. So the window panels need to come out anyway. Given that the lead has reached the end of it design life and many of the glass “quarries” are damaged, it makes economic and structural sense to replace these. The Diocese has approved the use of a clear conservation glass for the work. This, combined with the removal of the ironwork, will let a lot more light into the building and bring it into more intimate contact with its beautiful surroundings.
The estimated cost of this project is in the region of £16,000. About £3,200 has already been raised through the sale of pictures by the late Raymund Rogers which were kindly donated by his sister. This amount was split equally between the PCC and the MCF. The remaining amount of about £13,000 will be met by matching contributions of £6,500 each from these two groups.
However, it’s not possible to remove the ferramenta on its own as the window panels are wired onto it. So the window panels need to come out anyway. Given that the lead has reached the end of it design life and many of the glass “quarries” are damaged, it makes economic and structural sense to replace these. The Diocese has approved the use of a clear conservation glass for the work. This, combined with the removal of the ironwork, will let a lot more light into the building and bring it into more intimate contact with its beautiful surroundings.
The estimated cost of this project is in the region of £16,000. About £3,200 has already been raised through the sale of pictures by the late Raymund Rogers which were kindly donated by his sister. This amount was split equally between the PCC and the MCF. The remaining amount of about £13,000 will be met by matching contributions of £6,500 each from these two groups.
The PCC have launched an appeal to raise their share of the costs and early responses have been promising. However more is needed, so please help the PCC by sponsoring a full window or part of one. Alternatively, you might like to help us buy some of the new glass for the windows. A single diamond of glass costs £5 or half of one is £2.50. Please feel free to buy as many as you like! Anything you can give will be greatly appreciated.
If you are in the area, please come down to Minster to see the more comprehensive display there, as well as the demonstration window panel that Arthur Bradley has fitted.
If you are in the area, please come down to Minster to see the more comprehensive display there, as well as the demonstration window panel that Arthur Bradley has fitted.
For more information about the project, sponsorship or donations, please contact:
Malcolm Baker (MCF) 01840 250482. Email [email protected]
Bob Clark (PCC) 01840 250156.
Clear glass at Lesnewth