Church tower in great disrepair receives new roof and new lease of life.
USL were pleased to work in partnership with architectural practice Caroe on the vital restoration of St Mary the Less in Thetford, Norfolk.
Although not named in Domesday, the church of St Mary the Less was likely founded during the Late Saxon period. It retains a Norman doorway and part of the original north nave wall, but the majority of the existing structure was constructed in the 14th century. The west tower was reconstructed in the 15th century and further repairs were carried out in the 16th century. However following the Dissolution; the church apparently fell into disrepair, poor condition and suffered from vandalism. In fact, the tower was in a very poor state of repair. The roof collapsed some time ago allowing rainwater into the lower timber floors of the tower, which had all collapsed.
The Grade II* Listed church received grant support from Historic England Repair Grants towards the extensive tower repairs including new roof covering with restoration works commencing in 2019.
USL were pleased to undertake the following conservation works on the tower including;
The gallery below showcases both before and after works images, demonstrating the remarkable transformation.