Church of St James, Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire – External Repairs

Three phases of HLF grant funded repairs have been carried out to the listed church.

The first phase of repairs addressed the failure of the roof structure, which was collapsing due to failure of the truss bearing ends due to wet rot from failure of parapet gutters. These together with their plaster corbels were repaired and the parapet gutters, the source of water ingress replaced.

During the first phase some stone repairs were carried out, with defrassing and face dressing of the approach elevation to reduce the risk of falling masonry and to improve weathering.

A second phase of HLF funded grant works was completed in 2013. The spire tip has been rebuilt, with a new cross tree inserted. Extensive repairs have been carried out to the masonry of the spire, including the replacement of ribs and grotesques.

A third phase of work is now underway, with a HLF grant to renew the roofs of the nave and nave extension. This will include reslating and internal timber repairs.

We have also carried out a major reordering, replacing the heating system and opening up the nave, removing pews and renewing lighting to create a more flexible interior.