Medieval church saved from decay

An historic medieval church in Suffolk has been saved from further weather damage after the roof over the altar at its east end was restored.

A £38,000 English Heritage grant enabled work to be carried out at St Margaret of Antioch Church at Cowlinge.

For several years the chancel roof had suffered loss of tiles and decay.

Water had also been leaking into the roof void and the chancel of the church near Stradishall, Cambridge-based church architect Henry Freeland said.

"St Margaret of Antioch, Cowlinge, is an early 14th century building and after an inspection, we recommended that the chancel be completely re-roofed, using the existing mix of red clay peg tiles wherever possible.

"Associated works carried out included minor masonry repairs, re-pointing of open joints to copings, drips and brickwork.

"The rainwater drainage system has also been upgraded with the existing plastic system being replaced with traditional pattern cast iron.

"Fortunately, investigation work established that the structural timberwork of the roof was in good condition."