This page outlines the major structural issues currently being addressed at St Patrick’s Catholic Church in Corsham, along with our plans for heritage restoration. The work focuses primarily on the south elevation of the church and adjoining structures added in the 20th century.
[Figure 1: South-facing aspect of the church]
Two key areas are the focus of the current restoration effort:
1. The 1940s fire escape and inserted uPVC door, which are unsafe, structurally unsound, and out of character with the church’s historic architecture.
2. The 1960s flower sacristy (originally built as a servery), which has severe damp and structural failures, and compromises the integrity of the adjoining church wall.
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Main Window – Structural Concerns and Restoration Plan
2. Window Alteration
[Figure 2: Window behind the fire escape]
In the 1950s, this window was lowered, and leaded-glass panels from the eastern window were reused.
3. Damaged East Window
[Figure 3: Eastern window with mismatched glass]
The eastern window, having lost its original panels, was repaired with poor-quality replacement glass that does not match the rest of the church. It now leaks and will be fully replaced with a new leaded-glass window.
4. Internal View of uPVC Door
[Figure 4: View of the uPVC door from inside the upper room]
The uPVC door is inserted into an original Gothic stone arch. The doorframe is not load-bearing and was not fitted with any structural lintels.
5. Structural Cracks and Instability
[Figures 5–8: Evidence of instability in surrounding masonry]
The door currently supports the arch directly, resulting in visible movement, cracking, and crude repairs. These conditions pose a long-term structural risk.
Planned Work
The uPVC door and fire escape will be removed, and the original stone and leaded-glass window reinstated in its place, restoring both structure and historic character.
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Flower Sacristy – Structural Failure and Demolition Plan
6. History and Condition
The flower sacristy was constructed in the 1960s to serve as a porch and refreshment area after Mass. Made from single-skin stone with minimal weatherproofing, it now suffers from major damp and structural failure. It receives all the water runoff from the main church roof gulley, which it is unable to discharge effectively.
7. Internal Damage
[Figure 9: Damp and flaking finishes]
[Figure 10: Black mould and wall failure]
[Figure 11: Cracked junction with the main church building]
Planned Work
Due to extensive deterioration and lack of heritage value, the flower sacristy will be demolished. There are no plans to replace it. Instead, the original Victorian façade with twin school entrances marked “Boys” and “Girls” will be restored. This will also provide access to a spiral staircase leading into a small cellar, thought to have been a fuel store.
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This restoration will enhance both the safety and historic integrity of St Patrick’s Church, ensuring its preservation for future generations.