Church may need to raise as much as £500,000 to save medieval windows

A survey at All Saints Church in North Street, York, has revealed that exposure to the elements over the centuries has caused some of the paint on the windows to deteriorate.

Now, the church, which dates back to the 11th century, is preparing to raise up to £500,000 to cover the costs of the repair work, which could see protective layers placed over the precious glass, in a bid to prevent further decay.

Church warden David Titchener said: “The windows are very valuable from a historic point of view as some of them date back to the 1300s so they need to be kept in a very good condition.

“The York Glaziers’ Trust has completed a survey on the condition of the glass and now the notes and photographs need to be examined. They will then come back with a report on what needs to be done. Until we get this back we won’t know the extent of the work but I think we are looking at between £250,000 and £500,000 for the whole lot because it’s specialist work. That’s why we are going to have to launch a national appeal.”

The results of the report are expected to be revealed in May and the fund-raising appeal will then be launched. One of the most expensive parts of the project is expected to be the restoration of The Pricke of Conscience Window, one of the church’s most iconic pieces. The window dates from 1410 and is based on a medieval poem of the same name.