Home / Arts and Entertainment / Hidden Gem Unearthed in Historic Church Cellar
Hidden Gem Unearthed in Historic Church Cellar
25 Feb
Summary
- A stained glass window was discovered in a cellar during church restoration.
- An unfinished gold embroidery piece was found with needles and threads.
- The church now has toilets and a kitchen for the first time since 1841.
A restoration project at the Grade II listed Christ Church in Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, has led to the discovery of a hidden stained glass window in the cellar.
The extensive repair work, costing £290,000, was made possible through funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and local organizations. This project, spanning three years, has significantly modernized the church, built in 1841.
Alongside the window, an intriguing piece of unfinished gold embroidery was found within a Victorian wardrobe. The embroidery, still with its needles and threads, offers a glimpse into a past activity, though its origin remains a mystery.
For the first time in its history, Christ Church now features essential amenities, including toilets and a kitchen, transforming it into a 21st-century community hub. The church's historic spire clock, installed in 1863, was also meticulously restored, with schoolchildren witnessing the new gold dials being raised.
Energy-efficient lighting and a newly carved stone pinnacle are among the other enhancements. The completion of these transformative works was celebrated with a community tea party.
