Restoration

St Andrew’s is a historically important Grade II* listed building, and Landford’s most important heritage site.  FOSTA was formed in 2025 to ensure its conservation and use as a valuable community venue for the village. 

Image of Butterfield Original Drawing, East and South Sections Looking West and North Respectively, 1858

Photo courtesy of St Andrew’s, Landford PCC

Built in 1858, and containing preserved relics from the earlier 11th or 12th century churches, there is an inevitable and ongoing requirement for restoration work.  Additionally, to enhance community use of the building, some improvement of facilities is required. 

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Restoration 

Current restoration work is focused on general repairs to the roof, steeple restoration and repairs to some stained glass windows. 

Roof and Rain Water Goods Repairs

Photo courtesy of J Fairhurst & D Hodson, 2026

A high resolution drone survey of the clay tile roof was carried out in March 2026 and all areas in need of possible repair have been identified and listed.  The quinquennial survey report of the church in 2024 also identified a need for some repairs to cast iron gutters and downpipes, which is being addressed as a priority.

Steeple Restoration

Photo courtesy of St Andrew’s PCC

When the original bells in Butterfield’s 1858 church were replaced with a tubular bell system in 1913, some structural timbers were adapted to accommodate the ringing mechanism. This and subsequent water damage has created a requirement for restoration of the timber structure of the steeple.    

Stained Glass Repairs

Photo courtesy of St Andrew’s PCC

The important Victorian stained glass in the church has had some restoration in previous years and is in generally good condition.  A survey of the windows by a specialist from Salisbury Cathedral in August 2026 identified some areas for further restoration, including the stone tracery around one of the west windows, which has areas of damage and water ingress. 

Improvements 

An ambitious plan of improvements is being implemented to improve access to the church, and provide some modern facilities.  This includes: resurfacing of the car park, the purchase of new pew cushions and the planning of a small south extension to add toilet and servery facilities.

Car Park Resurfacing

As a rural church, St Andrew’s is fortunate to have a good-sized car park.  As the church is located outside of the main part of Landford village, most visitors must drive to the church. Maintaining a good and reliable surface is therefore a key requirement for the church to be accessible to everyone in the parish.  After several instances of cars needing to be towed out of the car park in wet weather, the PCC has approved resurfacing this year.  This work is possible courtesy of an exceptionally generous local donor.  

Pew Cushions (Then and Now)

Image courtesy of St Andrew’s PCC

Pursuing his belief that nothing should detract from worship, William Butterfield wrote that “… hassocks and carpets represented the rich man's tradition, and they usually mean appropriation. A hassock is a stumbling block, even to the youngest and most agile …” His preferred design was a low-backed, straight pew which provided good support but not too much comfort, and a kneeling board about three and a half inches wide, to concentrate the mind”.

Much as we love William’s design for the church, a majority need for greater comfort has evolved since 1858, and, courtesy of a very generous local donor, the order for new cushions has been placed!

South Extension Project

Extending such a historic building is a major undertaking, with approvals required from multiple planning and heritage authorities. Nevertheless, for St Andrew’s to be accessible to all and thrive as a wider community venue, the addition of some modern facilities is considered essential. The first steps have been taken by the PCC and FOSTA to sketch out a concept design for a small extension that is architecturally in harmony with the original Butterfield design; this will provide abled and disabled toilets, and a flexible space that can be used as a servery or screened meeting space.