Completion is around corner

Overjoyed with the results of the multi-million pound restoration of the historic church building, both inside and out, the Dean revealed that the restoration work inside was more-or-less finished, with the exception of one of the large stained glass windows in the Chapter House. Back in the early 1900s the window had been embedded directly into the stonework as opposed to a frame, so a delicate process of removing the window and restoring it as it should be, is still ongoing.

“Much more work was required for the window in the Chapter House than was anticipated, but once this is done and the floor and cupboards are treated and sanded it will be an excellent job,” he said.

At the moment all the artefacts usually housed in the Chapter House are in storage but the chandeliers have been restored and are in glistening condition - it is hard to believe they date from 1910.

Elsewhere in the Cathedral the changes are quite dramatic. The office, which used to be the boys’ Vestry has undergone a dramatic facelift, yet has remained true to the overall character of the Post-Reformation. All ‘mod-cons’ are now concealed behind panelled cupboards which have been treated to make them identical in look and texture to the existing panel work, and state-of-the art security and computer technology has been sensitively worked into the surroundings so that they blend in rather than stand out.

However, it is when you look up that you get the biggest surprise: Who know that such a beautiful stained glass window existed high above the robe cupboards? The reason it can now be so clearly seen and appreciated is because the old ceiling on the Vestry has been replaced with a dome-effect glass ceiling that allows light and space to flood the area, showing the office and the window off to dramatic effect.

“All the work has been extremely tastefully done and all the new timber work sensitively replicates the original wood, and there is under cupboard heating and excellent storage space. It is wonderful that the builders have been able to accomplish all of this without it being at the expense of the rich history of the place in terms of the existing fabric,” he said.