Friends of Bramcote Old Church Tower
Background
Members of Bramcote Conservation Society and Bramcote History Group have been working since 2004 to restore and repair the Grade II Listed building, affectionately known as the 'Sunken Church', at the junction of Moss Drive and Town Street, Bramcote.
After considerable negotiation, fund raising and hard, physical work, many of the achievements can now be seen. The process hasn't been without its disappointments but there have certainly been many positive successes.
The tower before work started… …and after
Now, the site is a much more pleasing and attractive area. Overgrown shrubs have been cut back, a number of trees crown-lifted to provide more light to ground areas and grass is cut on a regular basis. The Tower can now be seen to its best advantage, a focal point at the very centre of the village of Bramcote.
Achievements so far
One of our first priorities was to establish ownership and to seek permission to start work on the project. An architect was appointed to undertake a survey and give advice and, supported by Notts. County Council Building Better Communities funding, restoration of six damaged chest tombs as well as repairs to other gravestones and the herringbone boundary wall, was completed by specialist stonemasons.
We are indebted to Countryside Care whose volunteers have paid many visits to the site to clear away vegetation and have advised on habitat management.
In consultation with Broxtowe Council, the entrance steps and gates have been re-designed to make it safer for pedestrians and pushchair/wheelchair users.
Archaeological surveys have been done under the guidance of Notts. County Council Archaeology Dept and most gravestones, both visible and below ground level, have been recorded.
Railings have been installed along the boundary wall on Town Street, a new pathway constructed which follows what is believed to be the original path and a medieval Physick (healing) Garden has been planted by students of Foxwood School, Bramcote.
Through The Big Lottery Awards For All, Nottingham based sculptor Andrew Smith has been commissioned to produce stone seating and information panels. He has worked with local schools and other community groups to generate ideas that can be incorporated into his final sculptural design. In addition, a stained glass window is being designed and produced by ESCAPE, a group of stained glass craftswomen working from Eastwood.
Events
See forthcoming Friends events by clicking here.
News
Find news about the Friends and the current and previous Friends newsletters by clicking here.
Membership
You can view and print a membership form for the Friends by clicking here.
Merchandise
The ‘Friends’ have some Old Church Tower themed merchandise available for sale, click here to see what’s on offer.
Members of Bramcote Conservation Society and Bramcote History Group have been working since 2004 to restore and repair the Grade II Listed building, affectionately known as the 'Sunken Church', at the junction of Moss Drive and Town Street, Bramcote.
After considerable negotiation, fund raising and hard, physical work, many of the achievements can now be seen. The process hasn't been without its disappointments but there have certainly been many positive successes.
The tower before work started… …and after
Now, the site is a much more pleasing and attractive area. Overgrown shrubs have been cut back, a number of trees crown-
Achievements so far
One of our first priorities was to establish ownership and to seek permission to start work on the project. An architect was appointed to undertake a survey and give advice and, supported by Notts. County Council Building Better Communities funding, restoration of six damaged chest tombs as well as repairs to other gravestones and the herringbone boundary wall, was completed by specialist stonemasons.
We are indebted to Countryside Care whose volunteers have paid many visits to the site to clear away vegetation and have advised on habitat management.
In consultation with Broxtowe Council, the entrance steps and gates have been re-
Archaeological surveys have been done under the guidance of Notts. County Council Archaeology Dept and most gravestones, both visible and below ground level, have been recorded.
Railings have been installed along the boundary wall on Town Street, a new pathway constructed which follows what is believed to be the original path and a medieval Physick (healing) Garden has been planted by students of Foxwood School, Bramcote.
Through The Big Lottery Awards For All, Nottingham based sculptor Andrew Smith has been commissioned to produce stone seating and information panels. He has worked with local schools and other community groups to generate ideas that can be incorporated into his final sculptural design. In addition, a stained glass window is being designed and produced by ESCAPE, a group of stained glass craftswomen working from Eastwood.
Events
See forthcoming Friends events by clicking here.
News
Find news about the Friends and the current and previous Friends newsletters by clicking here.
Membership
You can view and print a membership form for the Friends by clicking here.
Merchandise
The ‘Friends’ have some Old Church Tower themed merchandise available for sale, click here to see what’s on offer.
