ACP was commissioned to carry out an assessment of Oatfield Church, a mid-17th century church which is a Protected Structure (RPS665) and Recorded Monument (CL052-043).

The storm of 1839 caused serious damage to the Church which was corrected at the time by means of repairing the damaged roof and the structure was extended from its original L-shape to a cruxiform Church. Our inspection revealed the Church roof to be at serious threat of collapse. Opening up works showed advanced state of rot in the main structural timbers of the roof at the transept. The rot was primarily due to water ingress due to failing of the valleys and roof covering.

ACP prepared a Section 57 to undertake works and notified the National Monument Service of proposed works. We also assisted the Community Group in applying for and successfully securing a Stuctures At Risk Grant, which in combination with local fundraising, financed the restoration works.

Emergency stabilisation of the structural timbers of the transept was carried out. This allowed the following works to be undertaken safely:

• Original stone eaves and barges were repaired/reinstated.
• Failed roof modifications from the 1960s were replaced.
• The roof was jacked back into position.
• The roof was insulated.
• The front elevation was reslated with the original Broadford slate.
• The rear elevation was reslated with new natural slate (as there was a deficiency of original slate).
• Cast iron gutters and downpipes were installed.
• Rewiring for lights in the ceiling was carried out.
• The ceiling boards were repaired and reinstated.
• Windows and doors were repaired.

As a result, the Church was restored to excellent condition with a minimum of disruption to its use in the locality.