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St Lawrence Church is delighted to announce the successful restoration of its historic South Aisle roof—a project that will protect this cherished Grade II* listed building for generations to come.
The journey began in 2021 when a quinquennial survey revealed that the lead roof had deteriorated beyond repair, leaving no option but a full replacement and compliance with Church Faculty and Local Authority requirements meant the roof had to be replaced on a like-for-like basis, preserving its traditional character. In response, the church launched its ambitious ‘Roof Restoration’ project in 2022, setting a fundraising target of £100,000 to cover the cost of works.
Thanks to the dedication of the church community, generous local supporters, and national grant bodies, the necessary funds were secured and work commenced in September 2025, following permissions from Natural England to ensure minimal impact on the resident bat population. The specialist contractors brought exceptional craftsmanship to the task, completing the project in November 2025.
The new roof is a remarkable feat of traditional skill: approximately 110 lead sheets, each weighing 84kg, have been expertly joined using the wood roll technique to create a seamless protective layer. In total, 9,000kg of lead now safeguards the South Aisle—a structure designed to endure for at least 75 years. A commemorative plaque has been installed to mark this milestone continuing a tradition that dates back to the previous roof replacement in 1954.
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In addition to preserving heritage, the project incorporated a specially designed bat entry lobby to maintain access for wildlife while preventing water ingress—a great innovation that ensures harmony between conservation and nature.
This achievement would not have been possible without the collective efforts of countless supporters, community groups, and grant-making organisations. Their generosity and commitment have secured the future of St Lawrence Church, ensuring it remains a place of worship and community for decades to come.
As the sun shone on the newly completed roof in November, the church stood renewed—a testament to craftsmanship and community.
The parish would like to thank the following for their contributions to the project:
The Northamptonshire Historic Churches Trust
The Wolfson Foundation (via the National Churches Trust)
The Long Buckby Feast Committee
The project was also aided by the provision of a Diocesan Church Major Works Fund loan. The fund is designed to help parishes by providing loans to assist with cashflow over the project lifetime. For more information see: https://www.peterborough-diocese.org.uk/church-major-works-fund.php