The 2012 Restoration Project (2/2)

Notes:

  1. To display the caption of an individual picture, hover the mouse pointer over the image.
  2. Because of the large number of pictures, they have been split over two pages and kept to a modest size.  To make the pictures a little larger, you may be able to adjust the zoom control on your web browser.
  3. The photographs may not be in precise chronological order.

February 2012 - Restoration work starts to show results

  • New electrical wiring installed for power, lighting and sound systems.
  • Restoration work continues throughout the church.

Close-up of the high window in the chancelSpot the difference after half of the chancel window has been cleanedSpot the difference after half of the chancel window has been cleaned

Results of cleaning the reredos stoneworkThe East window with cleaned stoneworkFinishing touches to some nave plasterwork

Nave scaffoldingToo cold to mix cement outdoors today, so it's done in churchElectrician working on the electrical cabinet under the tower

Some of the 2km of cablingWiring in the bellringing chamber fed from the power distribution cabinet beneathWiring routed via the bellringing chamber

March 2012 - Tombs are uncovered in the Chancel

Whilst clearing floor tiles in the chancel, the builder has uncovered two tombs of historical significance.  These tombs have been covered by tiles since the church underwent a major restoration in 1855, and have therefore not been seen for over 150 years.  The tombs belong to:

  • Henry Zinzan and his wife Jacoba (nee Vanlore), who died in 1676 and 1677 respectively, and
  • Samuel Norris, a past Rector of St Michael's church, who died in 1710.

Further research of the Zinzan tomb has identified living relatives in Australia (and across the globe) who, along with many others, have been researching the Zinzan family for many years now.  They are obviously excited that we have uncovered long-lost family relatives.  A book has been prepared from the research work undertaken by Michael Swift (a Zinzan family member now living in Australia); it includes portraits of Henry Zinzan and Jacoba as well as photographs we have taken of the tomb.  The story of the Zinzan family, their links to the crown, and how they came to be in Tilehurst makes fascinating reading for those with an interest in family and social history.  If you would like to read this book, please speak to the Rector or Churchwardens.

St Michael's PCC and the Diocesan Archaeologist agreed that the ledger stone covering the Zinzan tomb would be left uncovered, after being lifted and turned 180 degrees so that the head of the stone is closer to the altar.  It was also agreed that the stone covering the tomb of Samuel Norris would be recovered with tiles.

Tobi Corney, a professional photographer (see www.tcphoto.co.uk), agreed to take some high quality photographs of the ledger stone and other areas of the Church.  It is planned that, after completion of the restoration, those images will become available for purchase in several forms such as greetings cards.

The portrait pictures (below) of Henry Zinzan and his wife Jacoba were provided by Trudy Seers, a distant relative of the Zinzans.  The origin of the portraits is unknown.

The Zinzan heraldic symbolsThe uncovered Zinzan ledger stone in the chancelThe uncovered ledger stone prior to lifting

Ledger stone of Samuel Norris, Rector of Tilehurst until 1711A close-up of the Zinzan ledger stoneThe Zinzan ledger stone with scaffolded nave behindThe uncovered ledger stone prior to lifting

Preparations for lifting the Zinzan ledger stoneScaffolding is erected over the ledger stoneThe lifting of the Zinzan ledger stone begins

The underside of the ledger stone is revealedOnly a layer of flints is found under the ledger stoneThe ledger stone after being turned and levelled

Portrait of Henry Zinzan, died 1676 (source unknown)Portrait of Jacoba Zinzan, nee Vanlore, died 1677 (source unknown)Portrait of Sir Sigismund Zinzan, father of Henry Zinzan (source unknown)

March 2012 - Final stages

  • Completion of the tiling and re-ordering of the church

New tiling, reredos stonework, and radiator by the high altarThe new tiling in the high altarStart of re-tiling the floor under the choir stalls

Tiling completed under east end of the choir stallsThe remaining tiles under the choir stalls are finishedThe choir stalls are prepared for re-fitting

The front part of the restored choir stalls is re-fitted (south side of chancel)The front part of the restored choir stalls is re-fitted (south side of chancel)Flooring is replaced behind the choir stalls (south side of chancel)

Preparations for new flooring by the organ and choir stalls (north side of chancel)Flooring is replaced by the organ and choir stalls (north side of chancel)The restored choir stalls by the organ are re-fitted (north side of chancel)The organ loft is re-fitted with its loudspeakers and restored pipes

Tiling in the chancel around the Zinzan ledger stoneThe work in the chancel nears completionThe work in the chancel nears completion

The stonemason at work in the Lady ChapelThe stonemason installs the new chancel step and lectern podiumStonework for the new chancel step and lectern podium is completed

The north aisle altar takes shapeThe north aisle altar is completedThe stonemasons discuss their progressThe William Morris window in the Lady Chapel is cleaned

The nave floor is repaired, cleaned and polishedThe nave floor is repaired, cleaned and polishedThe nave floor is prepared and polished again

Work begins to clear up the back of the churchWork continues to clear up the back of the churchThe pews are gradually re-fitted

The work in the chancel nears completionThe main church door (to south porch) is cleaned and polishedThe Lady Chapel door is cleaned and polished

Re-fitting of the pews is completedRe-fitting of the pews is completed

Click here to go back to the first part of the 2012 Restoration Project gallery.