Can Human Hair Rescue a Crumbling Medieval Church?

St James's Church in Llangua, Monmouthshire, a medieval structure dating back to 1150, has undergone a remarkable restoration to save it from ruin. Thanks to a dedicated team of tradespeople, traditional building methods were employed to revive this historic site, with one craftsman even cutting his hair to ensure authenticity in the materials used. The church is now open to visitors and could potentially serve as a community hub or place of worship once again.

Last updated: 17 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• The restoration of St James's Church was a vital effort to preserve a 12th-century building.
• Traditional building techniques were employed, including the use of lime putty mixed with animal hair.
• Funding came from various sources, including the National Heritage Memorial Fund and public donations.
• One tradesman cut his own hair to use in the plastering process, highlighting the commitment to authenticity.
• The church is now open to visitors and may serve new community purposes in the future.

The Historical Significance of St James's Church

St James's Church is not merely a structure; it is a testament to the architectural heritage of Wales. Established as a monastic cell in the 12th century, its evolution into a parish church in the early 15th century marked a significant point in its history. The church's architectural features, particularly its wagon vault roof, reflect the craftsmanship of the period, showcasing the skill of builders who worked with local materials.

Decline and Redundancy

In recent years, dwindling congregations led to the church being declared redundant in 2020. This status meant that the church was no longer used for worship, leading to concerns about its maintenance and preservation. The roof's deterioration reached a critical point, raising alarm bells among local preservationists and historians.

The Race Against Time

Five years ago, the Friends of Friendless Churches charity recognised the urgent need for restoration. Rachel Morley, the chair of the charity, reflected on the precarious state of the church: "We joked that the cobwebs were holding the roof up - we don't know how it was still up." The restoration process was described as a 'race against the clock', particularly due to the risk of losing the church's original 15th-century timbers.

Structural Challenges

As the restoration began, it became evident that the roof's condition was dire. Tom Jones, director of Jones and Fraser contractors, elaborated on the challenges faced during the renovation: "Without exaggeration, it was at the point of collapse." The entire roof had to be removed and restructured, as many of the supporting timbers had cracked or decayed. This meticulous process ensured that the church would remain standing for generations to come.

Funding the Restoration

The financial aspects of the restoration were equally significant. The project was made possible through a combination of funding sources, including:

• The National Heritage Memorial Fund, which provided the majority of the money.
• A smaller grant from the Garfield Weston Foundation.
• Approximately £170,000 raised through public donations.

This diverse funding portfolio underscores the community's commitment to preserving their local heritage and the cultural importance of St James's Church.

Commitment to Traditional Craftsmanship

A key element of the restoration was the adherence to traditional building techniques. The team of builders and craftspeople worked hard to ensure that every aspect of the renovation was "period correct." This meant using age-old methods and materials that would have been available at the time of the church's original construction.

Innovative Solutions in Restoration

One particularly innovative solution came from restoration heritage plasterer Louis Cartwright. According to traditional methods, lime putty used in plastering should be mixed with sand and animal hair. Initially, sourcing ethically obtained hair proved challenging, leading Cartwright to cut his own hair to contribute to the project. "It just feels amazing that not only I put my heart and soul into the work but I am literally part of this building," he said.

Eventually, Cartwright was able to use ethically sourced goat and horse hair, along with some dog's moulted hair donated by a local resident, to complete the plastering work. This attention to detail not only preserved the integrity of the restoration but also connected the craftspeople personally to the church.

The Completed Restoration

With the restoration now complete, St James's Church stands renewed and ready to serve its community once more. The exterior has been painted a warm pink, which catches the sunlight beautifully, while the interior has retained the focus on its stunning roof. As Rachel Morley emphasised, "These buildings are so massively culturally important and they belong to the nation." The combination of historical significance and modern-day relevance makes the church a vital part of the local landscape.

Future Prospects

The reopening of St James's Church is seen as a new chapter in its long history. There are discussions about potentially using the church as a community centre, offering local residents a space for gatherings, events, and possibly even worship services. This evolution from a redundant church to a community hub exemplifies how historical sites can adapt to meet contemporary needs while preserving their heritage.

Conclusion

The restoration of St James's Church in Llangua is a remarkable example of community dedication and skilled craftsmanship. By employing traditional methods and ensuring that the work was rooted in historical accuracy, the team has not only saved a significant building but also contributed to the cultural legacy of the area. As we move forward, it will be exciting to see how this revitalised space serves its community and continues to honour its rich history.

FAQs

What year was St James's Church built?

St James's Church was built around the year 1150, making it a significant historical landmark in Monmouthshire.

Why was St James's Church declared redundant?

St James's Church was declared redundant in 2020 due to a decline in congregations, meaning it was no longer used for regular worship services.

How was the restoration of the church funded?

The restoration was funded through various sources, including the National Heritage Memorial Fund, the Garfield Weston Foundation, and approximately £170,000 from public donations.

What traditional methods were used in the renovation?

Traditional methods included the use of lime putty mixed with sand and animal hair, along with carpentry and roofing techniques that were period appropriate.

What might happen to the church now that it has been restored?

The church is now open to visitors and may serve as a community centre or even resume its role as a place of worship in the future.