LOCAL HERITAGE
and to formulate a long-term plan for repair and restoration, in collaboration with the parish, church architect Henry Freeland and Historic England. What you see now is that particular restoration project underway, and Matthew is part of the team delivering it – one that involves an array of specialist contractors and surveyors, skilled stonemasons and even the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge, which undertook research led by MEng student Rajiv Nailadi to measure vibrations and movement in the pinnacles of the tower using a laser. It’s an ambitious plan that spans processes of assessment, cleaning and essential repair, including the restoration of multiple pinnacles, replacement of severely
Many of the intricately carved creatures, mostly by Ovens of Preston, and heavenly cast of saints and angels, by Boulton of Cheltenham, are strengthened with internal iron rods. In theory, this is sensible, but in practice – as time goes on and water seeps inside, freezes and thaws – the stone around these rods can quite literally explode. This is evident in various places up the tower, where metal protrudes from severed stonework. It was these kinds of issues that the first-response conservation specialists Universal Stone Ltd highlighted in 2023 after exploring the exterior of the building on a colossal cherry picker. Emergency works were swiftly launched by the Diocese to have any dangerous stonework removed
degraded stonework and the reinforcement of at-risk masonry. Funded by the parish, The Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation, Historic England and a number of smaller grants, the project began at the tower having been identified as most urgently in need of repair, but it will subsequently move on to other parts of the building, including a leaky south aisle and the richly decorated polygonal apse. The first stage alone will cost in the region of £1 million. But, as rector and parish priest Rt Revd Mgr Canon Eugène Harkness affirms, it’s worth every penny: “It’s one of the largest Roman Catholic churches in the country; the significant size, landmark features and stunning architectural detail were intended to suit its anticipated role as the centre of Catholic life at Cambridge University. We want to keep our beautiful church as a living and dynamic vehicle of praise to God in the centre of this wonderful city.” How long will it take? Well, Matthew is realistic about the amount of work involved, both in the current multi-stage project and the regular assessments that will be required on a two- or three-yearly basis going forward. Likening it to a bit of a ‘Forth Bridge situation’, he admits that – with work on the tower alone likely to take up the rest of this year – once completed, the team might find themselves needing to start from the beginning all over again! Watch this space for updates on the project, and you can find out more about the church and its fundraising efforts at olem.org.uk
SET IN STONE The works are seeking to assess, clean and repair intricate detailing on the facade
24 JUNE 2025 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
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