Eves Corner, Danbury, CM3 4QB 01245 225876 info@bakersofdanbury.co.uk
Holy Trinity Church Colchester Restoration | Bakers of Danbury
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Eves Corner, Danbury, CM3 4QB 01245 225876 info@bakersofdanbury.co.uk
Holy Trinity Church Colchester | Heritage Restoration
Project Overview Holy Trinity Church
Grade I listed Holy Trinity Church is the oldest surviving building in Colchester, with its Saxon tower dating to around AD 1000. Following a long period of disuse, the building was placed on the Heritage at Risk Register. Bakers of Danbury were appointed as specilist hertitage building contractors to deliver conservation works as part of a wider regeneration scheme for the site.
Roof Repairs and Conservation Works
The initial phase of works focused on the repair and conservation of the church roof. The roof was fully stripped back to allow inspection of the historic oak frame. Where possible, original timbers were retained and repaired, with replacement materials used only where necessary.
Historic clay tiles were salvaged and reinstated. New lead coverings were installed with traditional detailing, and with improved falls introduced to improve drainage and reduce the risk of water ingress. Breathable insulation was incorporated to improve thermal performance.
Temporary works were installed throughout to protect surrounding gravestones and sensitive heritage features during construction.
External Works
Following completion of the roof works, the next phase involved external works to Trinity Square.
The scope included new electrical and drainage services, alongside hard and soft landscaping to improve both access and the setting of the church within the city centre.
Existing brickwork was cleaned using a DOFF system. Cementitious mortar was removed and replaced with lime mortar to allow the building to breathe and reduce moisture retention. Localised brick repairs were carried out where deterioration had occurred.
Original railings were carefully lifted for repair and reinstatement. The surrounding French drain was cleared and reinstated to improve long-term drainage performance and reduce damp affecting the structure. Historic gravestones were lifted, repaired and reset by specialist stonemasons.
Challenges
The project was delivered within a constrained city centre location requiring careful sequencing and coordination around a highly sensitive historic site. Protection of archaeological features and historic fabric was a key consideration throughout.
The works combined traditional conservation techniques with modern construction methods to ensure the building remains structurally sound while retaining its historic character.
Results
The restoration of Holy Trinity Church forms part of the wider regeneration of Colchester city centre. The works have addressed key structural and environmental issues affecting the building and contributed to its long-term conservation.
Once complete, the project will support the removal of the church from the Heritage at Risk Register and enable its future use as an important community area in the heart of Colchester.
Why Choose Bakers of Danbury?
With many years of experience as heritage and conservation building contractors in Essex, Bakers of Danbury delivers high-quality rebuild and restoration projects. We specialise in church and heritage restoration across Essex, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.
Please contact us to discuss your conservation project.
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