Reordering Completed
The building today retains its external and ancient character of the past, together with the restoration of the interior to its original medieval and cathedral-like character, but now provides modern facilities fit for the 21st century. The re-ordering has created a light, open and flexible space but retains the inherent architectural and historic character of the building.
View from the west end showing the nave which has a high quality stone floor with under-floor heating.
Important historic artefacts have been retained including the high altar and sanctuary with its attractive Victorian floor.
The Warneford Chapel remains unchanged with all memorials and historic hatchments but now with retained Victorian pews,
The font has been moved to the east of the main door, and of course all historic contents remain (the ancient chest, the pulpit, misericords, choir and priests’ stalls, memory table, Cromwell’s cannon ball, etc).
The rood screen has been moved to create a vestibule beneath the tower
The nineteenth century organ was in a poor playing state with an inherently heavy playing action and occupied most of the north transept; it has been replaced with a modern digital instrument which is moveable. The transept is now a new, fully equipped commercial kitchen, whilst the earlier kitchen is a utility room. The Cullerne Room, that had previously been adapted from a chapel, was further changed to create a vestry and storage areas together with a meeting room on a new first floor.
A welcome area has been created together with store cupboards, display shelves and notice board. The main body of the church now provides a warm, flexible space with individual wooden chairs and is used for worship, fellowship and meals, both by the congregation and community of Highworth.
Some of the old oak pews were used to make the new nave altar table.
An old doorway on the north side of the church has been reopened and used as the access to toilets in a new extension.
The original stoop which was damaged and covered up in 1861 has been restored, an example of how the medieval character of the church has been respected.
The main entrance from the High Street is completely level with the outside churchyard paths, eliminating all trip hazards and providing easy access for all users, including wheelchairs. The glass door invites visitors to enter and provides an uninterrupted view of the spacious and light interior.
