Church of St Margaret Antioch, Knotting shortlisted for RICS Awards
St Margaret’s Church in Knotting, Bedfordshire was vested with the Trust on 1 April 2009, and our consultant architect, Ptolemy Dean was then instructed put together a specification for repairs.
Conservation work began in September 2009 and an intensive programme of work has been carried out since then by Bennie &Co. under the direction of Ptolemy Dean.
St.Margaret’s is a magnificent country church, with some Norman fabric and an interesting western arch, described by Pevsner as ‘parabolic and barbaric’. There is 14th- and 15th-century work in the nave and chancel and much 17th-century remodelling, including the tower and nave roof, the tie-beam of which is dated 1669. Conservation repairs began with extensive but sensitive work to the roof, tower, drainage and external stonework. We were then able to move into Phase II, which is dealing with internal plasterwork and floors as well as ensuring the tower floors and ladders comply to H&S standards.
The interior has been lime-washed after removal of synthetic paint revealed a greater need for repairs than originally planned, work was finished on the building in 2010.