 |
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Church Tower Buttress Repair
St. Dionysius Church, Market Harborough, Leicestershire
The church, dedicated to St Dionysius the Areopagite first Bishop of Athens dates from the thirteenth century but the building as it exists today was mainly erected in the first half of the fourteenth century, the nave having been subsequently reconstructed and increased in height by the addition of the clerestory late in the fifteenth century.Galleries were erected over the north and south aisles in 1836, except for the two western arches into which the galleries were extended in 1844. At the same time the earlier western gallery was taken down and an organ (since removed) placed there.
The north and south porches date from the latter half of the fifteenth century and both have chambers above them, that on the north side containing some late seventeenth century panelling. The north porch contains a kitchen and toilet facilities.
The octagonal crocketted broach spire, which rises to 47.00 metres above the ground, was restored to a slightly lower height than formerly after a severe storm in January 1735 had carried away the top section.
The whole of the original fifteenth century roof was renewed in 1953 and 1961 substantially to the original design.
The church occupies a position of considerable visual importance in the central conservation area of the town of Market Harborough and contributes significantly to the architectural scene and quality of the environment.
The church underwent an extensive renovation programme during 1983 - 1987 and continues to be maintained to a high standard.
There are no tombs, burial spaces or headstones either inside or outside the church.
During the last Quinquennial Inspection in 2004, it was noted that the upper tiers of the south tower buttress were moving away from the tower wall, serious vertical cracks have been spotted along buttress / tower junctions on the south face of the tower. Investigations including seismology were carried out to identify the cause of the damage but there was no single conclusion. Upon commencement of the repair, it revealed that the buttress were of a hollow construction and had little to no key back to the tower walls. The buttresses were re-pinned using systex anchors.
More investigation has been / will be carried out in respect of the stability of the tower. Rectified elevational survey by Messrs James Brennan & Associates of Derbyshire has now been produced and these have been sent to English Heritage as part of the ongoing consultation.
Update of progress will be posted here.