St Andrew’s, Sedbergh
The Brief
Looking after a church with hundreds of years of change behind it, while helping it remain accessible, well used and ready for future repair.
St Andrew’s is a Grade I listed church in Sedbergh. The present building dates mainly from around 1500, although fabric from earlier churches is incorporated into it. It also underwent a major Victorian reordering by Lancaster architects Paley and Austin, including the rebuilding of the south aisle and work to the nave clerestory.
John Coward Architects was appointed by the PCC in 2012 and has since carried out a number of quinquennial inspections, repair projects and alterations to the church.
At the east end, high external ground levels had led to damp and moisture penetration, affecting decorative wall finishes internally. We developed repair plans to address this and also redesigned the east end of the church, extending the chancel dais further into the nave and introducing an access ramp along the north aisle.
Key features
- Grade I listed parish church
- John Coward Architects appointed in 2012
- Ongoing quinquennial inspections
- Repair work responding to damp and moisture penetration
- Chancel dais extended further into the nave
- Level access introduced along the north aisle
- Ongoing advice on future repair and alteration
- Church in active use for worship, music, festivals and concerts
A village church in active use
St Andrew’s is used extensively for music, festivals and concerts alongside its purpose as a place of worship. The work at the east end means the church still benefits from good level access through the nave and into the chancel.
Our involvement has continued through quinquennial inspections, repair work and plans for future change. The building needs ongoing help, and funding will be important in allowing the PCC to carry out further repairs and alterations. We continue to assist with those plans as they develop.
St Andrew’s has a long and complex history, but it is also used extensively for worship, music, festivals and concerts. Our work with the PCC is helping to address the repairs and alterations necessary to keep the building in use.
