I was tipped off by Otto SS that St. Anne’s, Limehouse has joined the Buildings at Risk Register, published last week by Historic England. Since the structure has always seemed to be in good shape, built of the finest ashlar by Edward Strong and Edward Tufnell as masons, and since a great deal was spent in the 1980s through the construction of a new roof structure, overseen by Julian Harrap and with funding from the Getty, I wondered what it was that had led to its inclusion. The answer is that the walls of the interior, which was burnt out in 1850 and then restored by P.C.Hardwick, are indeed very damp:-
Perfectly evoked in Black and White !
There was a short piece about this last night on BBC London news with the Rector showing the reporter the state of the interior. You can see it here – it’s about 2 minutes in – but only until 10.30 pm tonight when iplayer will replace it with today’s news:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b09b4jld/london-news-weekend-news-29102017
Joan
Thank you. Charles
Beautiful photos (your own?) and thank you for your ongoing concern. The damage is not quite as dramatic as the TV news suggested, but it does need to be tackled over the next few years. We are starting to get the ball rolling on the next phase of restoration. Details here (new site is on its way!): http://www.stanneslimehouse.org/cfsa.html
Dear Richard, Thank you for replying. Yes, I took the photos on Sunday just before your morning service and am happy to do anything I can to help (I was on the committee when we lived in Newell Street). Charles SS
Ah! You should’ve come and introduced yourself! Michael Hebbert (who now chairs Care for St Anne’s) has spoken highly of your support in the past. We will certainly be in touch as the plans develop. The first priority is putting a lift into that north porch that looks so atmospheric in your photos but in reality is a shabby and unworthy entrance to such a fine building. Then we will get on to the major project of finishing the restoration of the nave.