£38,000 Window Restoration Completed at St Peter & St Paul, Newchurch
Essential conservation work to a south aisle window at St Peter & St Paul, Newchurch was completed at the end of November 2025, funded by the Romney Marsh Historic Churches Trust at a cost of £38,000.
The stone window frame had become badly cracked and increasingly unsafe. Without intervention, the deterioration would have worsened, posing risks both to visitors and to the historic fabric of the building. The project involved the careful replacement of the damaged masonry in Bath Stone, selected to match the existing stonework and ensure long-term durability. The main contractor was B E Ames, with the specialist stonework undertaken by Pinnacle Stone.
This window sits within the south aisle, part of the church’s significant 14th-century enlargement. As the population of the Marsh expanded, St Peter & St Paul was enlarged to create a more spacious and impressive interior. The slender octagonal pillars of the decorated arcades indicate that the aisles were later additions, widened to create long, processional spaces. These generous aisles accommodated chantry altars, where priests were paid to say Mass for the souls of the deceased, and allowed for the processions that were central to medieval worship. Many of the aisle windows display fine examples of decorated tracery, and the restored window now once again sits securely within this remarkable architectural setting. Fragments of medieval glass can be found in the church.
Projects such as this highlight just how costly it is to care for ancient buildings. A single window repair can require tens of thousands of pounds, even before considering roofs, towers and spires, which can be even more complex. These medieval churches were built to last, but they require ongoing specialist maintenance if they are to survive for future generations.
The restored window
This £38,000 project has only been possible thanks to the generosity of our members, donors and volunteers. Their support enables the Trust to step in when urgent repairs are needed across the 14 medieval churches of the Romney Marsh. In 2026, our AGM on 16th May will be held at Newchurch, offering the chance to see how your support makes a real-life difference - all are welcome.
We warmly encourage visitors to come and see the repaired window and explore the wider story of this extraordinary church. More information about St Peter & St Paul and its history can be found through our free audiovisual guide. We also offer guidebooks for sale.
If you value these buildings and would like to help us continue this vital work, please consider becoming a member, making a donation or leaving a legacy gift in your will. Your support directly funds the conservation that keeps these remarkable churches standing.
