Refurbishment work is set to take place at the Chapel of St Lawrence in Warminster to help preserve the historic 13th century building for future generations.
The planned work includes removing moss and lichen from the exterior, cleaning the stonework, and repainting the downpipes to help prevent water damage.
The total cost of the project is £7,540, with the Feoffees and Trustees of St Lawrence Chapel applying for a 50% grant from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) fund.
At a meeting in June, Warminster Town Council unanimously approved the application and awarded £3,770 from the CIL fund, which is made up of contributions paid by developers to support improvements to local infrastructure and community facilities. The remainder of the funds will be raised by the chapel’s trustees.
Ian Frostick, chair of the Feoffees and Trustees, presented the proposal to councillors, describing the work as essential maintenance for the long-term preservation of the Grade II listed building, which plays a central role in the town’s heritage.
In a separate update, Ian shared news of further progress inside the chapel. After almost three years of silence, Warminster’s historic town clock and chiming bells are working once again.
St Lawrence Chapel has housed the town’s central clock and bell for centuries, with the current bell dating back to 1657 and the clock installed in 1764. In 2022, both fell silent following the failure of the building’s 13th-century floor beams.
Following a full inspection by The Cumbrian Clock Company, extensive repairs were carried out.
Ian said, “Peter Hyde from The Cumbrian Clock Company has finished the main work on Warminster’s historic clock and chiming bells. Both are working well after almost three years of silence.
“In two weeks, he will return to verify that everything is in order and install the pendulum control mechanism.”
A blessing of the town’s clock and chiming bells was held at the chapel on Sunday 13th July to mark their return to working order.
