Work is needed to ensure the stained glass windows in St Walburge’s are maintained

One of Preston’s iconic churches has applied for permission to undertake urgent work to its stained glass windows.

St Walburge’s needs stonework repairs to three windows in the nave and one in the south side of the Sanctuary.

The windows also need re-leading and replacing of the secondary glazing.

The application, made by the Parish of Sacred Heart and St Walburge, needs permission from the Historic Churches Committee as well as the city council.

It is classed as a grade I listed building and documents submitted to the council show corrosion has made its nave windows unsafe.

Documents submitted with the plans state: “this proposal is for the ‘like for like’ repair in matching buff sandstone to mullions and jamb stones to four tall windows which have been damaged by ferrous corrosion caused by corroded iron pins at joints and iron ‘ferremente’ bars which support the glazing.”

It goes on to state the materials used in the work will be as close to the originals as possible.

The work is proposed to be carried out by the Bernard Taylor Partnership who completed repairs to masonry and lead glass between 2008 and 2011 at the church. The work was funded by English Heritage.

The church, which possess the tallest spire in England for a parish church, was built in 1854 and designed by J.A. Hansom. The tower and spire were added in 1867.

You can view the full plans on the council website and add your comments there, or email devcon@preston.gov.uk quoting planning reference 06/2013/0163 by Saturday 13 April.

Image credit to Bernie Blackburn