Conservation work at All Saints’ Church in Sandon has revealed hidden details in its Tudor wall paintings and monuments as part of a National Lottery Heritage Fund project.
The Grade I listed Staffordshire church, near Stone, has been undergoing work on a number of rare historic features, including the Erdeswicke family tombs, Tudor wall paintings, a Charles II coat of arms and stained glass windows.
Specialist conservators have been removing dust and dirt by hand, before lightly retouching damaged areas. The church said the work has revealed more colour and detail in the wall paintings, including plants, birds and text in a painted window that had not been seen for hundreds of years.
The monuments and Tudor wall paintings had previously been coated with a wax varnish, which attracted moisture and dirt and had to be carefully removed.
Further discoveries during the conservation work included musket shot and broken fragments of the Erdeswicke family tomb, including what is believed to be the nose of Sampson Erdeswicke.
The stained glass, which was removed over winter, is due to return to the church in June. The Royal Coat of Arms is also expected back after being cleaned to remove centuries of dust and dirt.
Alongside the conservation work, All Saints’ Church has been hosting activities linked to the wider heritage project.
On Tuesday 26 May, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust joined the church for a Bioblitz day, with families bug hunting in the long grass and recording plants and animal species found in the church grounds.
Visitors were also able to try the new Butterfly and Moth Trail, which runs around the churchyard until Sunday 20 September. The wooden butterflies and moths were designed and painted by members of Oak Tree Farm Rural Project.
Completed trail sheets can be posted in the box in the church porch for a chance to win a bird box. A goody bag is available for visitors when the church is open.
More events are planned through the summer, including Music for a Midsummer’s Evening with Cantiamo Chamber Choir on Saturday 20 June from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, a Summer Art Exhibition on Saturday 27 June from 10am to 4pm and Sunday 28 June from 12.15pm to 4pm, and All Saints’ Time Travellers on Saturday 1 August from 10am to 4pm.
The education team and Staffordshire Wildlife Trust are also running workshops for local schools in June, focusing on the history and biodiversity of the church and its grounds.
Further details and opening times are available through the Sandon All Saints website.
