Conservation Plan

THE PARISH AND COLLEGIATE CHURCH OF ST MARY DE CASTRO

 

LEICESTER, LEICESTERSHIRE

(DIOCESE OF LEICESTER)

CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN

 

DRAFT FOR PCC v.1

 

© CBC January 2016Contents

 

1. Preliminaries
   1. List of Contents
   2. List of Figures
   3. Message from the PCC
   4. Executive Summary

 

2. Introduction

 

3. Understanding the place and the community

3.1 The Location and Setting of the Church

3.2 The church and the community

3.3 Description of the building and site

3.3.1 The history and archaeology of Leicester and the church

3.3.2 Description of the church today

3.3.3 Description of the exterior

3.3.4 Description of the interior

3.3.5 Furnishings and fittings

 

4. Assessment of significance

4.1 Statutory Designations

4.2 A detailed breakdown of what is of significance

 

5. Assessment of vulnerability

5.1 Issues affecting the church

5.2 Potential areas of conflict

5.3 Impact assessment of any current proposals

 

6. Management policies

           

7. Bibliography and sources

 

8. Appendices

            Appendix 1: The archaeology and history of the church and the site

Appendix 2: Plans, views and maps at larger scale

Appendix 3: Historic England List Description

 

1.2     List of Figures

 

Photographs are by Esther Robinson Wild unless otherwise noted. The ownership of other photographs, prints and other material is shown in parentheses.

 

Cover photograph: St Mary de Castro church looking south (PCC)

 

Fig 1: Map of Leicester City Centre (Google Maps, 2016)

Fig.2: Leicester Faith Trail Map

1.3 Message from the PCC

 

The Church of England  Collegiate Church of St Mary de Castro is one of the finest in England.  There has been a worshipping Christian community at St Mary’s for at least 900 years.  The church was originally built as the chapel to the royal Castle of Leicester and was from the beginning fully integrated into the life of the community, being primarily a place where God was worshipped daily, but also somewhere people went for all sorts of non-spiritual needs to be met.  Whilst the prime aim of our worshipping community in the 21^st Century is to provide a place of prayer and worship, the congregation is mindful of the fact that we are custodians of a beautiful, historic and architecturally important building.

 

We are the only Parish Church in the city that is open on a daily basis and we view this as a major contribution to our mission as a city centre church.

 

Since July 2009, with the help of volunteers from a willing congregation, the church has operated a ‘Ministry of Welcome’ with daily opening during the working week in addition to Saturday afternoons. This has attracted over 8,000 visits in the last year.

 

We are committed to providing a sanctuary of peace and prayer in a busy city:  a welcoming space for spiritual refreshment, private prayer and devotion, and as a means of requesting intercessions to be prayed at the altar.  The building can also be described as an oasis. If visitors are asked “what do you take away with you?” they often respond that they leave with a sense of peace and calm.

 

Two recent events have raised the profile of St Mary’s which we hope to capitalise on. The publicity surrounding Richard III has dramatically increased the number of people visiting Leicester.  A recent publication Leicester City Council’s ‘Richard III Historic Walking Trail’, includes our church. Other recent heritage initiatives (‘Connect Leicester’, ‘Grey friars Townscape Heritage Initiative’) within the city also have the potential increase the numbers to visitors to our church.  The removal of the dangerous spire has raised public interest in St Mary de Castro Church.  People have been reminded that they have a fantastic building on their door step which is underused. There is currently a wave of support from the wider community to support the church (including The City Mayor, the Conservation Team etc).

 

St Mary de Castro has been used in the past as a venue and can be promoted as a unique venue for concerts and events (e.g. talks training days etc). There is a shortage of venues in this part of the city which offer the size, ambience and acoustics which we can offer. The church can hold 200+ people and offers a historic and beautiful setting which enhances the event goers’ experience. We receive regular requests to host, among other events, concerts, community groups, school parties and academic discussion.  Regretfully, given our lack of facilities at present, we normally turn these requests down. Once the facilities are in place, we would like to actively promote our building as a venue for appropriate events.

Not only would the building receive more exposure to the wider community but it would return the church to its historical role as one of the pre-eminent buildings of the City of Leicester. Additionally we are of the view that the income generated from events and increased donations would put the parish finances on a firmer footing and secure

 

The PCC regards this Conservation Management Plan (CMP) as timely and vital document bringing together information regarding these actual and potential religious, cultural and social activities in Leicester.  The CMP will be used as a means to reappraise and revitalise the church building and its surroundings, and to serve the needs of all members of the community who love and use the church, while maintaining its status as first and foremost a place of worship.

 

The PCC would like to thank the Church Buildings Council for all their hard work in helping to produce the CMP.

 

1.4 Executive Summary

 

The large medieval church of St Mary de Castro stands within the precinct of the Royal Castle of Leicester and is the second oldest church in the city, the site of Christian worship since the early 12^th century. Founded in 1107 by Robert de Beaumont, first earl of Leicester as a collegiate chapel attached to the castle, it is considered by some to be the most historically important and architecturally interesting church in Leicester. It is one of the few churches in the country that still occupies its original position within the outer bailey of the castle it served. The church has undergone significant alterations and extensions in its history, most notably in the 13^th, 14^th and 15^th centuries and was much restored by Sir Gilbert Scott in the mid-19^th century.

 

The church fulfils a mission in Leicester’s city centre which encompasses Cultural, Civic, Community and Church use and it has associations with many historical figures, including Richard III, and historical events – its location within the castle precinct gave the church a prominent role in the Civil War siege of 1645. The oldest work in the present building dates to c.1107.

 

Its exceptional architectural, archaeological, and historic importance is recognised in its Grade I listing. The church should however not be seen as an isolated historical monument, but understood within its wider human and natural environment, and as an asset for the local and wider community. The church is adjacent to De Montfort university and the PCC would like to forge closer ties with the university and widen access to its students as well as the increasing number of visitors to Leicester.

 

With this in mind, this document has been compiled in order to act as a catalyst for developing the church building as a community and cultural asset as well as a place of worship and contemplation; as a place to learn about the history of Christianity in the area, and the rich local heritage of this place and area; and as a cultural centre, a place to enjoy music and art, working together with the city council and other partners to offer a regional, not just local resource and attraction.

 

The CMP gives the parameters in which this can happen. The task is to develop a vision and make it into a reality by harnessing energy within the community, with diocesan and national support. The aim is not only to respect the significance of the building and site and the values attached to it by the people of Leicester and beyond, but to enhance it, to make it better, to unlock its dormant potential.

 

This vision will require not only energy, but major initial funding to make it self sufficient and sustainable, which will only be available if there is co-operation and understanding between the various stakeholders and everyone who cares about this place. The CMP is seen as a way to facilitate this.

2       INTRODUCTION

 

The Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for the church of St Mary de Castro was compiled in January 2016 by Esther Robinson Wild on behalf of the PCC. The document has been compiled with advice and input from Joseph Elders, Archaeology Officer of the Council for the Care of Churches (CCC), and the PCC. Particular thanks are due to Mr Chris Stephens for the provision of information on the history of the church and its current uses and visitors.

 

The CMP was written to act as a catalyst for improving the accessibility, use, and social and educational value of the church and site, as a place of Christian worship and mission and as a community and educational resource. The CMP will be of value to the Parochial Church, Parish, City and County Councils in providing appropriate and dynamic policies and direction for day to day management of the site as well as higher level needs and projects.

 

It is an important document for evaluating short-, medium- and long-term programmes of work. These might involve applications for grant-aid from Historic England, Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund, the CBC and other sources. Preparation of a CMP is a prerequisite for (or advantageous towards) receiving grant aid for most of these.

 

The CMP follows the guidance published by the CBC in 2007. As this document stresses, a CMP on a major church is “a useful tool for recognising and reconciling tensions that may arise between the necessary life of the church and the significance of the place, and to help the church and its community to transcend these in order to develop and grow.”

 

Conservation management and planning are increasingly understood to be crucial to the beneficial use and guardianship of important historic structures and sites. CMPs are designed to describe a place and its community and define its significance. They then go on to assess the vulnerability of the place. Finally, they establish policies to ensure the long-term protection of the place, and the retention (or if possible enhancement) of its significance.

 

The objectives of this CMP are therefore to:

 

• Understand the church building and site and its use by the community by drawing together information including documents and physical evidence in order to present an overall description of the place through time. This includes a brief description of the church and site today, how it is used and perceived, and identifies areas for further research.

 

• Assess its significance both generally and for its principal components, on a local, national and international level.

 

• Define vulnerability and potential by identifying issues affecting the significance of the site and building remains, or which could affect them in the future, and how threats can be mitigated, and potential realised.

 

• Develop management policies to ensure that the significance of the church and site is retained in any future management, use or alteration. If possible this significance should be enhanced through implementation of these policies.

 

Status of this document:

 

This Conservation Management Plan essentially summarises what is currently known about the church and site, and bases its evaluation of significance, vulnerability, potential and management policies on this summary.  Observations have been made which attempt to interpret what can be seen and what has already been written and collated in the light of current understanding. Several histories of the church have been written, however these are brief and are over 40 years old. A revised and updated history of the church is now welcome, especially in light of its complex history and architectural styles. Detailed overviews of the history and archaeology of the city, St Mary’s parish and Leicester’s medieval churches including St Mary de Castro can be found in the Victoria County History (VCH) on which this document leans heavily, the National Monuments Record (NMR), and a variety of published histories which provide a wealth of information which need only be very briefly summarised here.

 

Some original research has been undertaken for the compilation of this document, however given the building’s architectural complexity suggestions have been made regarding areas where such work might in future be most advantageously directed. Key amongst these are the questions regarding the early development of the church.

 

The CMP is not a closed document, but should be regularly consulted, checked, corrected if necessary, and updated. It should have a close relationship to other key documents, notably the Inventory and the Quinquennial Inspection reports.

 

The CMP is copyright to the Diocese of Leicester and the CBC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or manual, including photocopying, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission. No person or corporation other than the diocese shall rely on it in any respect, and no duty of care will be owed by the author to any such third party.

 

3   UNDERSTANDING THE PLACE AND COMMUNITY

 

This section seeks to describe the place and to put it within its environmental, archaeological, historical, religious and social context. The information is summarised within the CMP itself, more detail is given in the Appendices and in previously existing material, to which reference is made.

 

3.1 The Location and Setting of the Church

 

Leicester is a city in the East Midlands and the county town of Leicestershire. It lies on the River Soar and at the edge of the National Forest.  

 

The population of Leicester is approximately 330,000 and it is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the United Kingdom.

 

Leicester is a city steeped in history, with the first known settlement dating to the first century BC. The city is home to two universities, the University of Leicester and De Montfort University. Over the past few years the city has undergone and continues to undergo widespread regeneration and redevelopment. The discovery of the remains of Richard III and his internment in St Martin’s Cathedral has firmly established Leicester as a growing tourist destination. Leicester City Council has a short to medium term regeneration strategy for the city entitled ‘Connecting Leicester’ which will establish more accessible physical connections to join up retail, leisure and entertainment with the city’s heritage.

 

The church (National Grid Reference SK 58279 04199) is situated to the south west of the pedestrianised part of the city centre. It is bounded by two narrow roads, Castle Street to the north which provides direct access to the church and Castle View to the west. The church is situated in the Castle conservation area (Appendix 2: Map 1) which was one of the first three conservation areas to be designated in Leicester in 1969. A Conservation Area Character Appraisal was adopted in 2007. A large part of the area falls within the boundaries of the Castle which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. St Mary de Castro lies to the north of the Castle and sits on the Castle Green. It is one of the few churches in the country that still occupies its original position within the outer bailey of the castle it served. The church is surrounded by a number of listed buildings including the Grade I listed Castle Hall and the Grade II* listed Gate House.

 

The church does not have a car park and there is only limited parking close by. Disabled parking is allowed outside the church on double yellow lines.

 

Fig.1 Map of Leicester City Centre

(Google Maps, 2016)

 

The churchyard

 

The churchyard stands to the south of the church and is in the care of Leicester City Council. It is now closed for burials, however, there is an area set aside for the internment of cremated remains in a garden of remembrance. It provides for the living a pleasant, quiet and green oasis in the heart of a busy modern city. Within it, there are two large chestnut trees and some lime trees, as well as wild flowers which blossom according to the season.

 

The South boundary of the churchyard is the early medieval wall for defence of the castle from the south east. Holes were pierced in the wall for cannons at the Siege of 1645 when Prince Rupert made a successful attack on Leicester. Through the openings may be seen the neighbouring Newark Houses Museum Gardens.

 

The churchyard has some very good examples of headstones with slate carving by the Swithland School of the 18^th and 19^th century.

 

 

 

3.2 The church and the community

 

The role of the church in the community has not changed radically since the construction of the original church; it has been a parish church since the mid-13^th century. The date of origin of the first church building is unclear, the earliest physical remains in the fabric date to the late 12^th century. The church’s location within the precinct of the Royal Castle and its origins as a Collegiate Church indicate that it was from its earliest beginnings a high profile foundation under royal patronage, closely bound up with the history of the historic town and region of Leicester.

 

As stated in the State of the Historic Environment Reports produced by Historic England (formerly English Heritage): “The church is usually the oldest and most important listed building in a settlement as well as an icon for community memory and a focus for social activity.”

 

This description fits the church of St Mary de Castro well and although the church feels slightly separate from the core of the city centre due to it being cut off by the A594 ring road, the church belongs very much to the people of Leicester and the surrounding area, and not just to the regular worshipping community. This sense of communal ownership and belonging has perhaps weakened during the late 20^th and early 21^st centuries, and could be strengthened through outreach to other groups such as the students of the adjacent De Montfort University. This is one of the imperatives behind the present proposals.

 

Throughout its existence each generation has made its mark on the church. Many generations of local people are buried in the churchyard, and the monuments inside and outside the church are an often eloquent reminder of hundreds of years of community life.

 

The church is also a source of local pride, and its maintenance a remarkable achievement.

 

The church community today

 

St Mary de Castro is a parish and collegiate church in the Diocese of Leicester. The Archdeacon is presently The Venerable Dr Tim Stratford.  The freehold is vested in the incumbent, presently Fr. David Maudlin SSC.

 

The PCC is responsible for the fabric of the building.  The curtilage is in the care of Leicester City Council.

 

Whilst, in common with may churches in the UK the congregation has in recent years consisted of  those of more “ mature years”  recently an upsurge in mission and the starting of a family friendly Eucharist  has attracted more younger people to the church and there is a steady, although slow, growth in the numbers worshiping at St Mary’s.

 

The electoral roll is approximately 78 and the average main weekly Sunday Eucharist attendance is around 45 for each service. A family Eucharist attracts around a further 12.  The two week day services have a small but loyal attendance of around 12. The church is open on Sundays and weekdays. Pictorial guide books are available in a number of languages on request from volunteer members of the congregation who man the door.

The church plate is kept under lock and key in the church safe when not in use for services.

However there are a number of liturgical artefacts on show e.g. the candle holders on the Trinity altar that have a significant value.

There are no Tree Preservation Orders applying to trees within the churchyard, but the Conservation Area designation confers similar protection.

 

The electoral roll is approximately 78 and the average weekly Sunday service attendance is around 45 for each service. The church is open on Sundays and weekdays. Pictorial guide books are available in a number of languages on request from volunteer members of the congregation who man the door.

 

For many years the church has attracted both domestic and foreign visitors with the number increasing due to the discovery of the remains of Richard III in 2012. The week of the interment ceremonies attracted over 900 visitors to the church. Since then, many local and overseas visitors have come singly, in small and large groups and on Leicester City Heritage and Richard the Third guided tours and walking trails.

 

In terms of tourism, the church’s inclusion on a number of heritage trails demonstrates that it is very much “on the radar” but perhaps not as much as it could (and should) be. Its location on the Castle Green next to Castle Park Gardens and within a short walking distance from the Cathedral of St. Martin and the Richard III museum makes it easily accessible to visitors who are interested in the history of Leicester. Increasing visitor numbers through a variety of social activities held at the church and a presentation of its history in a more prominent way within it is one of the imperatives behind the proposals.

Other churches and places of worship in Leicester

 

There are several other places of worship in Leicester city centre with the Cathedral Church of St Martin and several parish churches in relatively close proximity. A number of Anglican churches situated in the city centre, amongst which are the Cathedral, St Margaret’s and St Nicholas’s, have formed a Mission Partnership entitled ‘City Centre Churches Together’. The partnership is collaborative and supportive and its aim is to develop a range of new ministries in response to the changes brought about by the city centre regeneration. The earliest visible fabric belongs to the Anglo-Saxon period at the Church of St Nicholas, with two small windows in the north wall of the nave dating to c900.

 

Other denominations

Leicester is one of the most diverse cities in the country with a variety of different ethnic and religious communities. The University of Leicester have produced a Faith Trail for those interested in learning about the main faith groups in Leicester and the buildings in which they worship. St Mary de Castro is on the trail along with the Leicester Synagogue and Central Mosque, amongst others.

Fig.2 Leicester Faith Trail Map

(University of Leicester)

 

People and place; personalities associated with the church and Leicester

 

The first named historical figure who could be associated with the place is the first Earl of Leicester, Robert de Beaumont who was created the Earl by King Henry I.

 

John Wycliffe, bible translator who was under the protection of John of Gaunt

 

Richard III

 

Henry VI who was knighted in 1426

 

Sir Gilbert Scott

 

George Frederick Bodley (1827 – 1907), English Gothic Revival architect and the most influential architect by the end of the 19^th century. He was the first pupil of Sir George Gilbert Scott (later Sir).

3. Description of the buildings and site

 

This section gives a brief summary of the history of the church. It proceeds to describe the church and churchyard as they are at the time of writing, attempting to be as comprehensive as possible without going into great detail.

Fig. Map of Leicester City Centre

(Google Maps, 2016)

Fig. Plan of the Church

(PCC)

 

3.3.1 The History and Archaeology of Leicester and the church

 

Summary: The following is based mainly on some primary research, the Victoria County History, the Historic England listing description and the PCC’s Statement of Significance. It is meant as background information only.

 

Prehistoric

Archaeological excavations have produced evidence of a permanent settlement at Leicester during the 1^st century BC. The settlement is thought to have extended over ten hectares and was situated on the east bank of the River Soar, near St Nicholas Circle in the modern city. It was the southern centre of the Corieltavi being a loose federation of tribal groups which controlled much of Leicestershire, Rutland, Lincolnshire and parts of Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Northamptonshire during the late Iron Age. High quality finds such as pottery and jewellery imported from Gaul, Italy and Spain suggest it was a significant settlement of high status.

 

Roman

Leicester was an important Roman town called Ratae Corieltavorum. The Roman settlement lasted for over 350 years. It is likely to have been established as a fort or fortress housing a military garrison although the archaeological evidence is unclear. By the 2^nd century AD the town had been laid out on a new rectangular street pattern with defences put in place in the late 2^nd or early 3^rd century AD. By the late 3^rd century the town was an established trading and commercial centre. It experienced a rapid decline following the Roman withdrawal in 410 with most of the buildings falling into ruin. St Mary de Castro is sited in the south-west corner of Roman Leicester.

Anglo-Saxon

By 680, Leicester was a religious centre of the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Mercia. Between 877 and 918 it was under the rule of the Danish Vikings and was one of their Five Boroughs (fortified towns). It is thought that the Saxon cathedral may have been located on the site of St Nicholas church but there is no clear archaeological evidence for this or of settlement in Leicester between the late 7^th and mid-9^th centuries as yet. Tradition holds that the first church on the site of St Mary de Castro dates to the Anglo-Saxon period and was founded by Edward the Elder and his sister Ethel-fleda (children of Alfred the Great) in 918.

Norman

The castle and church are situated in the south-west corner of the town. The castle was of the Motte and Bailey type and built in c.1068. It was the centre of power for the Norman overlord, Hugh de Grantensil. On arrival in Leicester the Normans pulled down the original church building on the site of the present day church and Hugh de Grantensil built the castle in 1090. He is also credited with building the church. Robert de Beaumont, earl of Leicester, in 1107 rebuilt and increased the length of the Nave by adding the sanctuary which became the chancel. A vestry and sacristy were added to the north side and also two transept chapels.

 

Medieval

 

After the sacking of the town in 1173 the castle and the church were rebuilt and the chancel was lengthened to its present dimensions including the repositioning of the Norman sedilia in the south wall which is an outstanding example of Norman architecture, and is of the old fashioned type each seat being higher than the one next to it.

 

In 1201 the first meeting of discontented Barons took place in Leicester castle and it is likely that the Barons attended the church of St Mary de Castro, therefore associating the church with the discontents which led to the signing of the Magna Carta.

 

In 1240 the narrow south aisle and transept were demolished and the present large south aisle was built and enclosed the tower within the church building. Within the sanctuary south wall are early English style sedilia. The south aisle was dedicated to the Holy Trinity with its own high altar, this created a parish church for the people alongside the collegiate church with screens separating them.

 

In 1258 the first Mayor of Leicester was chosen in St Mary’s Collegiate Church. From 1265 the Earldom of Leicester gave to Prince Edmund, second son of Henry the Third, the Royal Castle and Chapel which remained so until 1485.

 

The Collegiate Church and Parish Church were divided by screens between the piers, creating two churches under one roof where services were held simultaneously at both high altars until 1400. At that time the bishop appointed one of the canons to be vicar of the parish church. Later the dean of the collegiate church (appointed by the abbot of St Mary in the Meadow) was made the vicar. St Mary’s in the Meadow was dissolved in the Reformation period. The wall between the chancels was removed and the chancels united.

 

From 1377 to 1399 John of Gaunt was Earl of Leicester and a personal friend of John Wycliffe, bible translator. Wycliffe was under the protection of John of Gaunt from the Church authorities and was given the living as vicar of Lutterworth. It is likely that he often preached in St Mary de Castro. John of Gaunt was also Geoffrey Chaucer’s patron and it is believed that Chaucer married his second wife, Phillipa de Roet, in the church.

 

The Dukes of Lancaster made Leicester a favourite residence, and when they became the Royal house the castle was maintained and occupied by the Royal family from time to time. During such events the Collegiate Church of St Mary and the castle would undoubtedly be used by the court. On one of the three occasions when Parliament met in the castle, in 1426, Henry the VI was knighted in St. Mary’s Church.

 

Richard III is known to have visited “my castle in Leicester “in 1484 and on previous occasions and likely would have attended mass in the church.

 

At the end of the 14^th century a spire was erected on the tower. It was repaired and rebuilt several times, until 2014 when it was found to be structurally unsound and dismantled.

 

Post-Reformation

 

After Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries in the 1530s the church being under the patronage of the Abbey passed to the Crown.

 

The meeting in which the Town Council of Leicester resolved to hold the town against the forces of Prince Rupert in 1645 was held in St. Mary’s. Both Crown and Parliament forces stabled their horses in the church during the Civil War. Until 1836 the living of St. Mary’s was in the gift of the Crown.

 

19^th century

 

Leicester became an important industrial centre, particularly for textiles.

 

In 1852, Sir Gilbert Scott (architect) designed three Victorian arches to replace the unstable large brick arch built in 1800 the large brick single arch allowed for a better view of the preacher in the pulpit.

 

20^th century  

 

21^st century

 

The city is undergoing enormous amount of redevelopment thus allowing archaeologists to investigate large areas of the Roman and medieval town in advance of building work.

 

Major re-ordering in the church is being considered at the time of writing to create standard facilities such as toilets and modern catering, better disabled access and flexible spaces for community use.

 

3.3.2    Description of the church today

 

Ground Plan: Nave, north and south aisles. Chancel, tower, north chapel and vestry and south porch.

 

Dimensions: Nave ….

 

Building Materials: Stone type? All of the roofs are covered with lead with the exception of the north transept – St Anne’s Chapel which is covered with slate. The single-span south aisle roof is of timber, the widest of its type in the country.

 

General description: Beginning at the west end and working east. Details of furnishings and fittings are given in a following separate section.

 

Exterior

 

The church is surrounded by a large churchyard which is in the care of Leicester City Council. The churchyard has dwarf walls with ironwork railings to the north and south, and high stone and brick walls to the other boundaries. The church yard is now closed for burials, however, there is an area set aside for the interment of cremated remains in a garden of remembrance. There are some very good examples of the slate carving on headstones by the Swithland School of the 18^th and 19^th centuries.

 

Churchyard looking north west (PCC)

 

A number of notable local townspeople are buried in the churchyard and the church environs, including John Lewin, who is generally said to have introduced the hosiery trade into Leicester, and Miss Susannah Watts who wrote the first popular guide to the town, A Walk Through Leicester, in 1804. It also contains numerous memorials of interest, dating mainly from the late 18^th and early 19^th centuries.

 

The south boundary of the churchyard is the early medieval south eastern defensive wall of the castle. During the Civil War Siege of 1645 when the Royalist forces under Prince Rupert made a successful attack on Leicester, holes were pierced in the wall for cannons. Through the openings may be seen the neighbouring Newark Houses Museum Gardens.

 

There is potential for the churchyard is included in the scheduling of Leicester Castle due to the likelihood of it retaining buried remains of the early buildings within the bailey of the castle and underlying Roman archaeological deposits.

 

Interior

 

The present entrance is through the north wall Norman door, a handsome example of Norman architecture. It was rebuilt in the north wall when the north aisle was built in the 15^th century. There are two alternative and currently unused entrances through the south porch and to the west leading into the choir vestry.

 

There is a subterranean boiler room that is accessed externally.

 

The tower was built in the early 13^th century and was originally freestanding.  It was integrated into the church building in 1240 when it was enclosed by the present large south aisle.

 

Nave: 4 bay nave arcade with moulded and pointed arches.

North aisle:  Built in the 15^th century with St Anne’s Chapel off.

 

South aisle: Built in 1240. Within the sanctuary south wall are early English triple pointed arched sedilia.

 

Chancel: Originally the sanctuary in the early 12^th century church it was lengthened to its present dimensions in 1173. In the south wall is a repositioned Norman triple arched sedilia which is an outstanding example of Norman architecture, and is of the old fashioned type each seat being higher than the one next to it.

 

Furnishings and Fittings:  

 

High Altar: X. Also the Trinity Altar which is the old parish altar, situated in the south aisle and presented in 1957; the All Soul’s Altar situated on the south wall of the Trinity aisle; the St Anne’s Altar created in 1936 and situated in the St Anne’s Chapel off the north aisle.

 

Reredos: Victorian, oak and alabaster. Designed by the architect, George Frederick Bodley (1827 – 1907). It depicts the crucifixion with St. Mary and St John at the foot of the cross. The lower panels depict the Annunciation of the Lord to the Virgin Mary by the angel Gabriel.

 

Pulpit: Made of X. Mid-19^th-century. Replaced an earlier three-decker pulpit which was removed in 1853.

 

Lectern: Large wooden eagle, mid-19^th-century. Also lectern in the south aisle which has a 17^th century carved stem topped by a 19^th century revolving bookrest.

 

Rood Screen: Situated between the nave and chancel. Victorian top and bottom, with the pillars being of the Jacobean period from the early 17^th century.  

 

Font: Dating from c.1230. Situated beneath the tower, it rests on a high circular base. The iron staple protruding from the wooden top is one of the original devices ordered by Pope Gregory X at the Council of Lyons to be fixed to all fonts with a chain to prevent theft of holy water.

 

Pews: Installed between 1847 and 1855. Designed by James Mitchell and Sir Gilbert Scott. Bench ends are intricately carved and some have “Green Man” type faces.

 

Chests: X

 

Medieval tiles: To the north of the font are some sixty inlaid 14^th century floor tiles. Decoration?

 

Stained glass: Victorian. The two tall windows on either side of the reredos in the east end of the collegiate chancel are of a brilliant blue colour and were made by William Wailes of Newcastle in 1866.

 

The large east window of the south aisle dates to 1847 and is by Forrest and Bromley of Liverpool. It is a memorial to Rev. John Brown, the parish priest under whom the 19^th century restoration was begun. It is the largest Gothic window in Leicestershire and is copied from the east window of Ripon Minster. It was restored and the central section redesigned in 2005.

 

The large west window of the nave depicts Old Testament prophets and St. John the Baptist, and was also recently restored.

 

The Pre-Raphaelite style window in St. Anne’s Chapel dates to 1862 and is by Frederick Preedy of London.

 

Monuments: To the Revd. Thomas Robinson (died 1813) in the Neoclassical style by J. Bacon the Younger (1777-1859) with a vignette of St. Mary’s and a figure of the clergyman adoring Christ. Earlier monuments of note are those of Hugh Watts (d.1656) and William Billers (d.1658), Haberdasher and three times Mayor of Leicester. A detailed description of the funerary monuments can be found in the book The Monuments of St. Mary de Castro.

 

Bells: The Tower contains ten bells within a steel frame which replaced an earlier wooden structure. The largest bell was cast in 1630 and the latest two bells were cast in 2010 by Taylor’s bell foundry of Loughborough. The bells may be rung by a carillon as well as pulled by ropes.

 

Organ: Three manual organ situated at the east end of the Trinity aisle. Dating from 1860 by Foster and Andrews of Hull. It was substantially rebuilt and enlarged by Joshua Poritt of Leicester between 1878 and 1880. Restored in 1960 with major tonal modifications also made. It has approximately 2000 pipes ranging from a few inches to 16 feet. A detailed history and discussion can be found in the leaflet The Organs of St. Mary’s.

 

Communion plate: Not inspected.

 

Registers: From X.  Held in Leicestershire County Archives.  Those in current use are held in the church.

 

War memorials: No standard memorial. The All Souls Altar is a memorial to the parish casualties of World War II.

 

Miscellanea: Silver plate and addenda – two chalices and patens of 1688 and two flagons of 1722, the latter the gift of Alderman Thomas Ludlam in 1722. The pewter collection plates date from 1779 to 1805. The churchwarden’s staves, processional crosses, and sanctuary lamps are memorial gifts; Statue – statue of St. George the Martyr Patron Saint of England situated in the Trinity aisle beside the organ.

 

The condition of the fabric and churchyard

 

Based on the latest Quinquennial Inspection Report by E.B. McEvedy Historic Buildings Consultants, Stathern, Leicestershire and dated November 2014.  The church fabric is generally in reasonably sound condition but there are a number of issues which need attending to in the short to medium term. The most recent and significant issue of repair was the structurally unsound spire which was taken down in 2014. The base of the spire remains and was covered in a new lead roof. The PCC would like to replace the spire in the future.

 

In terms of security and safety, the church is open for weekday (Tuesday and Friday) and Sunday services and it is also open to visitors between 12pm – 2pm Monday – Friday, and 2pm – 4pm on Saturdays. The church has suffered some lead theft in the recent past and experienced an attempted theft of the north-east vestry roof with the disturbed lead having to be dressed down. As a consequence, an alarm system has been installed. No valuables are kept on location except under lock and key.

 

4    ASSESSMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

 

Medieval churches and churchyards such as St Mary de Castro are of enormous interest and research potential, not only for the historian, archaeologist, and architectural historian and art historian but for everybody interested in local and national history, rich in material resources for understanding the past.

 

A church has stood here as a beacon of continuous Christian mission for over 900 years, placing worship at the very centre of local life. Churches are by no means static or frozen in time, indeed the fact that they have been subject to constant change throughout their history makes them all the more important and fascinating.

 

In order to manage this change responsibly, it is necessary to define the relative significance of every aspect of the church and churchyard within its local, regional and national context. This relative significance is articulated thus, following Kerr (1994) and the CBC guidance (2007).

 

• Exceptional – important at national to international levels.
• Considerable – important at regional level or sometimes higher.
• Some – usually of local value but possibly of regional significance for group or other value (e.g. a vernacular architectural feature).
• Local – of local value
• Negative or intrusive features, e. those which actually detract from the value of a site, for example a concrete boiler house adjacent to a medieval church.

 

4.1     Statutory Designations:

 

The church building with its contents is of exceptional significance as a major medieval church with a complex architectural, archaeological and art historical development and history, recognised in its Grade I listing.

 

The churchyard is of potentially exceptional significance as an archaeological site due to the high possibility of it retaining important buried remains of early buildings within the castle’s bailey and underlying Roman archaeological deposits, recognised by its inclusion in the scheduling of Leicester Castle.

 

The church building and churchyard are situated within the Castle Conservation Area which was designated in 1969. The conservation area has a Character Area Appraisal that was adopted in 2007.

There are no Tree Preservation Orders applying to trees within the churchyard, but the Conservation Area designation confers similar protection.

 

There are presently no other statutory designations beyond those given above.

 

4.2     A detailed breakdown of what is of significance:

 

One of the great parish churches of England, and arguably the most historically important medieval church in Leicester, of exceptional architectural significance, and of exceptional historical significance. The site is of exceptional archaeological significance especially in the context of the earlier church and castle buildings and Roman archaeological deposits.

 

Social, religious, community

 

The church is of exceptional significance as a focus and centre for mission and worship for the congregation, parish, Diocese, and for the Church of England. It is the major physical manifestation of the durability of the Christian faith in this place.

 

The church is of exceptional significance as a symbol of civic identity and pride in the history and cultural continuity of the area, being together with the other churches one of the largest and oldest buildings still used by the community (and for the original purposes).

 

St Mary de Castro is a tourist attraction in its own right, with the church contributing greatly to the attractiveness of the city and the Castle conservation area. It is therefore of exceptional significance as an attraction for the tourist industry and economy of Leicester and Leicestershire and wider region.

 

The significance of the church for our understanding of medieval liturgy

 

The architecture and arrangement of any church are dictated primarily by the liturgical rites which take place within and around it. The form of the church building is therefore of exceptional significance for our understanding of the evolution of a medieval church in terms of its liturgy.

 

The significance of the church for our understanding of Post-Reformation liturgy

 

The significance of the liturgical developments of the 19^th and 20^th centuries

 

Musical significance

 

The Organ dates from 1860 and was built by Forster and Andrews of Hull and as erected contained three manual, 27 speaking stops and 1300 pipes.  Between 1878 and 1880 the organ was substantially rebuilt and enlarged by Joshua Porritt of Leicester.  In 1960 restoration work and electrification was undertaken.  The modern organ incorporated a new detached all electric stop key console in English oak.  A large pedal organ has been provided, and following the modern trend, the Choir organ is an unenclosed division on classical lines.

 

The considerable significance of music to the parish and its worship is illustrated by the fact that the church is a favoured concert venue for an Early Music Festival, and it is intended to increase this use in conjunction with other institutions and events.

 

The bells are a fine ring of ten.  Two additional treble bells, cast by John Taylor of Loughborough were added to the original eight in 2009.

 

 

 

 

Ecological significance

 

The church in its surroundings is of local ecological significance, with two large chestnut trees and some lime trees in the churchyard. Wild flowers blossom according to the season, viz. snow drops, bluebells, daffodils, and cow parsley, common male ferns, cranes bill, wall rue and heart’s tongue fern cling to the wall crevices.

 

Archaeological significance

 

The church building itself is of exceptional archaeological significance. Despite the many changes including the 19^th-century restoration and window and fabric replacements, much original and cumulative fabric remains.

 

The site is of considerable potential for the archaeology and history of the Roman and early medieval period, and reference should be made to the Historic Environment Record and contact made with the County Archaeologist and Historic England if any development of the site or building is being considered.

 

There is also potential for the existence of Anglo-Saxon remains. The potential for such remains would raise the significance to exceptional if confirmed.

 

The site is of exceptional archaeological significance as a burial ground used for at least 800 years, regarding its potential for the study of human remains and burial practice over this long period.  

 

Historical significance

 

The evidence represented by the church and site is therefore of exceptional significance for the development of Christianity in Leicestershire and England as an early collegiate and parish church.

 

Within the church the intramural monuments are of considerable historical significance in themselves for the understanding and research of local and social history, recording the clergy, dignitaries, families and beneficiaries of the church and town.

 

Art Historical significance

 

Architectural significance

 

The Norman parts of the church are of exceptional architectural significance.

 

The plan form of the church is of considerable significance for the development of parish churches in the 13^th, 14^th and 15^th centuries.

5      ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL AND CONSTRAINTS      

 

1. Issues affecting the church and possible solutions:

 

General

 

The future of every parish church is in a general sense at risk from a diminution in the worshipping community and this is an issue that St Mary de Castro is experiencing. The church needs a new vision, and new uses, to make it fit for purpose in the 21^st century.  Change is in the best interests of the church, facilitating visual, aural, physical and other means of access to the church and to the Gospel, but this is not enough.

 

A much wider and far reaching offering of the building through community discussions and input is a vital and necessary step. The potential of the church for enhanced cultural, educational and tourist purposes is yet to be properly scoped, but may be considerable.

 

This has led to the following needs being identified, which have the capacity to impact on the building and site:

 

• Facilities

 

• As part of the proposed reordering, the PCC would like to open up the south porch door which has a minor difference in floor level between the exterior and the interior of the church. The proposed works would include the relaying of the south porch floor so as to eliminate the minor difference in floor level. These alterations would allow access to the church by wheelchair users, people with pushchairs and the ambulant disabled. It is envisaged that the south door would become the main entrance to the church.
• The church has no toilet facilities. There is currently an informal arrangement whereby they have keys to the toilets across Castle Yard. These toilets are sometimes used by worshippers on Sundays, but are used mostly on the occasions of special services and other events, for example the Early Music Festival, and Civic Services amongst others when large numbers of people attend.  The toilets are part of the Castle, which is owned by Leicester City Council and is in the process of being leased to De Monfort University. The lack of toilet facilities within the church and the sole reliance upon a third party for the provision of these facilities is untenable. The lack of these facilities may deter church attendance in some cases, and certainly inhibits the PCC’s ability to promote the wider use of the church, e.g. as a venue for concerts, for children’s workshops, and other events for the wider community.  The PCC wishes to locate these toilets within the church in the location of the existing screening to the west of the north door.

 

• Catering is an important element in many of the various events which take place in St Mary’s throughout the year, and it is amazing what the PCC do given that the catering facilities are primitive and almost non-existent. Mains water and an electric urn are available in the South Porch enabling hot and cold drinks to be served. Food and drink are served on tables set up near the South Porch. There is no sink in the porch – only a hot and cold water hand basin in the Sacristy. The power supply to the porch is inadequate.

The PCC would like space to offer refreshment and have expressed a requirement for a serving counter with built-in facilities for making hot drinks, washing-up and storage of crockery etc. and built-in fitted kitchen facilities for simple preparation and heating of food, with a small fridge and microwave. The PCC would like to locate the Servery in the space between the arcade arch between the Nave and the South Aisle and the arcade arch between the South Aisle and the base of the Tower.

 

• The church suffers from an acute lack of storage. The Sacristy and Choir Vestry offer only limited space. As a consequence, the South Porch is used to store anything and everything, predominantly things for flower arranging and catering. It easily becomes cluttered and untidy. In the church itself, there are some 50 plastic stacking chairs. These are essential for certain events such as concerts, but in between times have to be kept somewhere – currently under the tower.  Other items – e.g. trestle tables and children’s items are kept in pews. All these things detract from the appearance of the church, and there is a need for additional, discrete storage facilities.

 

 

• The PCC is in the process of seeking funding and Faculty approval (initial information discussions have been held with the Statutory Consultees) for new toilet facilities, servery and storage areas.

 

The absence of toilet facilities and adequate modern catering arrangements is a major constraint on the use of the church. A modern and sensitive update of all aspects is urgently needed. Failure to adequately address these issues will make the church more vulnerable through reduced attendance and limited potential for complementary use.

 

Fabric

 

The external fabric of the church is in general in reasonable condition although there are now a number of urgent repairs required – both the chancel and south aisle roofs leak; the drainage system needs a complete overhaul as it is contributing to the rising damp in floor areas which in some places is in a poor condition. In 2013/14 the PCC undertook a major building project to remove the structurally unsound spire. The base of the spire remains and is covered by a lead roof.  As the next step, the interior is in need of a new vision and some investment.  Some fabric consolidation, conservation of features, and replacement will be necessary on a rolling basis.

 

These works have the potential to impact negatively on the significance of the fabric, furnishings and fittings if not carried out with due care and consultation. They also however have the potential to reveal and enhance this significance.

 

Health and safety

 

An issue which increases the vulnerability of the church in this respect are the perceived demands of recent legislation. Health and Safety Regulations have made it more difficult for volunteer labour to carry out a variety of routine tasks. This means that expensive equipment such as scaffolding may need to be hired for high level works.  The recent emphasis on conservation-led maintenance and repair also mitigates against volunteer involvement, as specialist (and increasingly, accredited) expertise is required for jobs previously done by laymen, or by building firms with limited experience of working with historic materials and fabric.  There are, however, various grant-aiding organisations which can help in this respect, on which the DAC and CBC can advise.

 

Risk management

 

All heritage assets are exposed to losses from disasters such as fire and flood, but historic buildings and their contents are particularly vulnerable to such damage. Damage may be caused accidentally or deliberately.

 

Equally, however, buildings and collections are also extremely vulnerable to damage from inappropriate fire safety regimes, protective works and equipment. A Disaster Management Plan (for which the CBC has developed guidance), and regular reviews of the safety equipment and procedures, should be instituted.

 

Access

 

The Disability Discrimination Act is generally, and to some extent erroneously, perceived as a difficulty for churches, necessitating instant reactions and change. The concept of reasonability in this context has yet to be tested, but knee-jerk reactions to perceived problems generated by this legislation can be damaging. This is not seen as a major problem for the church at St Mary’s.

 

The main public entrance into the building is via the north entrance situated on Castle Street. The church does not have a car park. There is limited parking available for 4 – 5 cars on the road to the south side of the church and this is for a limited time period of one hour. Disabled parking is allowed on double yellow lines outside the church. To reach the church door, there is one step which is highlighted with white lines. The north entrance has two steps down into the church and a portable ramp is available. The entrance doorway is narrow and this necessitates the removal of the ramp when not in use to avoid the risk of accidents. The church owns a wheelchair for visitors to use.

 

As part of the proposed reordering, the PCC would like to open up the south porch door which has a minor difference in floor level between the exterior and the interior of the church. The proposed works would include the relaying of the south porch floor so as to eliminate the minor difference in floor level.

 

Inside the church, there is space for manoeuvring wheelchairs once inside and during services or events, wheelchair users can be accommodated to the right and left of the main aisle. There is a small change in level with a step up into the chancel/choir area which is highlighted by white lines on the edge of the step. Every effort is made where there are difficulties to highlight with white edge markings. Alternative access to the chancel/altar to receive communion is from the South Aisle where there is more room and it is free from steps.

 

It should also be noted that all kinds of disability are included and this is not just about wheelchair access; such things as large print books and an audio loop fall within the remit of the legislation. There is adequate provision at St Mary’s for these with the service and weekly sheet printed in large print, and the church is fitted with an induction loop system for the benefit of hearing aid users.

 

St Mary de Castro evaluation of the present position:

 

This is a famous historic church in an attractive city and area, with the number of people visiting Leicester for cultural reasons growing exponentially, and around 330,000 people living in Leicester and the immediate surrounding area. The church is in reasonable structural condition, is beautiful and fascinating, and has rudimentary facilities. However, there are weaknesses which make its position vulnerable:

 

            (a) This building as it now exists is not viable for sustainable, 21st century use:

• it has poor pedestrian access, particularly for the physically disabled;
• it has no toilets;
• its heating and lighting system is expensive and ineffective;
• there is only one safe route for normal personnel access to, and egress from, the building, the west door being almost unuseable
• there is no suitable space for small meetings, coffee, or for schoolchildren to work and be taught

(b)  in order to resolve the immediate shortcomings, the following are needed:

• good access for pedestrians;
• safe, multiple routes of emergency egress from the building;
• insertion of toilet and catering facilities;
• support of services to provide sustainable heating and lighting, and storage
• meeting rooms and flexible space for events
• space for explaining the history of the church and community
• good, pro-active relations between the Church community and its various stakeholders, territorial and ecclesiastical;

            (c)        for these changes to be realised, the following are needed:

• the will and the energy (in all the parties) both to perceive that various solutions are possible and, in addition, the legal, financial and practical resources to implement an agreed solution;
• the leadership to develop and maintain the motivation to effect a sustainable solution
• An overview of the buildings and facilities which are available to the church community, plus closer relationships and co-operation with other partners, for example De Montfort University and Leicester City Council.

 

Assessment of potential for change:

 

The church building is in relatively good condition, and inherently sustainable in terms of its materials.  However, if it is to continue in use for worship, complementary uses and forms of community engagement need to be found or better exploited, whether tourism, cultural offerings, etc. The location is extremely attractive. There may be more potential in this large church than is currently realised.

 

To achieve this potential, sustainability is needed in various aspects:

(i)   Human sustainability – sufficient in amount, capability/skills, and motivation;

(ii)  Financial sustainability – capital and revenue;

(iii)             Energy/environmental sustainability.

 

The proposed way forward

 

To solve these problems and grasp the opportunities, the PCC, community and diocese wish to develop plans to re-order the church, creating space and facilities for use of the church by wider sections of the community; however, an options appraisal regarding these needs is still in its infancy at this stage, which needs to take the other facilities and partnerships into account.  

 

These changes will be considered in consultation with all the stakeholders, first and foremost with the present PCC.

 

Initial ideas for development of the building include:

 

• Major reordering including the provision of toilet and catering facilities.

 

Following this necessary options appraisal phase, a development plan will be devised and funding will be sought, probably including a major application to the Heritage Lottery Fund. This programme of works is to be carefully considered with full consultation and if funding is found, is to be completed over several years.  

 

5.2     Potential areas of conflict:

 

Changes in patterns and styles of worship may lead to vulnerability in terms of change to the internal order of the church, particularly its furnishings and fittings. As in so many cases, the successive Victorian and later reordering responded to the liturgical fashions of the time and may not be considered suitable for the forms of worship practised by the present and future congregation, as well as other complementary uses.  This can lead to a conflict of differing values, as changes to the interior of the church to further mission and worship and new complementary uses may at times clash with conservation issues. This is a risk here.

 

The outline development proposals detailed above will also have a potential effect on the appearance, fabric and use of the building. This will require early and open consultation with the relevant secular and ecclesiastical regulatory and advisory bodies.

 

Development can only be successful in the context of partnership with a number of stakeholders – the local community whether they worship at the church or not, the pub and shop, the parish and local authority, etc. Only in this way can the potential for conflict be mitigated or removed.

 

This CMP process will help the various partners to identify such issues and address them at an early stage.

 

5.3     Impact assessment of any current proposals:

 

This section will be revised (this is of course true of the entire document) as any proposals for change are articulated in more detail.

 

Experience at other churches teaches us that without careful planning and a holistic vision, such mixed use of the church can lead to untidy, chaotic interiors, especially if there is not enough storage space.

 

Although nothing that is being proposed seems likely to have an impact on the fabric, archaeological stratigraphy relating to the earlier phases of development of the church may (likely will) survive at a shallow depth, which must be taken into account in the provision of a new floor, underfloor heating, and modern facilities.  As necessary archaeological assessment should be carried out, which might involve both non-invasive (perhaps Ground Penetrating Radar) and invasive (test trenching) work. This work should enable the development of a Mitigation Strategy to minimise damage, delays and cost. Advice from the DAC and its archaeological adviser will be sought at an early stage in any planning.

 

6       MANAGEMENT POLICIES

 

This section sets out the policies that have been identified during the process of preparing the CMP as required for retaining and enhancing the significance of this major church and site in the face of its vulnerability.  These policies will be fully evaluated with the PCC.

 

Policy 1: To create a mechanism for a Review Procedure of the CMP itself.  Our knowledge of places like major churches is constantly increasing, and of course the church and site and its environment are also in a constant state of change. The CMP will provide a framework for managing information, to which new information can be added as it arises.  An obvious solution is to bed the Review Procedure into the Quinquennial Review process, to ensure that the document continuously evolves and remains accurate and useful. The maintenance of the CMP as a digital document allows this to be done at minimum cost and effort; printed copies will be produced after each major review.

 

Policy 2: To retain the church as a place of worship, and work with the other churches to maintain and enhance its active role within the parish, group, deanery and diocese.  This may involve development of the building and site. Advice and support will be sought from the Diocese, the Church Buildings Council and other partners and organisations, including Historic England and the local authority.

 

Policy 3: The PCC will use the adopted Conservation Management Plan to assist them in managing the historic environment of the church of St Mary de Castro, and associated structures and features. Management decisions will be taken in accordance with the principles and policies set out in the CMP.

 

Policy 4: The PCC will develop a strategy for the sustainable care of the building and site, which will enable a strategy for funding the repairs to emerge.  Such funding will be energetically sought, with advice from the Diocese, the CBC, English Heritage and the local authority.

 

Policy 5: The PCC are determined to enhance the ambience and retain the heritage of Leicester and will adhere to modern building conservation principles. Maintenance and repair of this major historic building will continue to be carried out using appropriate materials and techniques which are not damaging to its historic fabric and character.  The PCC will take care to make appropriate decisions and use appropriate materials so as to avoid visually intrusive features in and around the church.

 

Policy 6: The PCC are mindful of their obligation to the congregation, the local community and its many visitors to provide access for all. The PCC will explore potential for better public access where this is appropriate and not in conflict with existing (or possible future) uses.

 

Policy 7: The PCC will explore other appropriate related or alternative uses for all or parts of the building e.g. for community purposes, and for concerts, exhibitions etc especially if a degree of income enhancement can be achieved.

 

Policy 8: Safety, security and inclusion:

 

Policy 8a: The PCC will commission a Disability Audit  to ensure compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (the terms of which came into force in 2004). A disability audit should be made by a qualified person, and its recommendations considered by the PCC. It puts the statutory obligation on the PCC to consider all disability issues and take ‘reasonable steps’ to eliminate discriminatory arrangements. This should be done as soon as possible. Once this is done the PCC will seek to implement its recommendations so long as these are acceptable in conservation terms and do not involve negative impact on or intrusion into significant fabric (including visual intrusion).

 

Policy 8b: The PCC will ensure the protection of the building, including interior fixtures and fittings integral to the design and function of the building, from fire, lightning, and other safety and security hazards, undertaking specialist safety audits and risk assessments to best current practice as necessary. This should include provision for staff and contractors to receive appropriate and adequate induction and on-going training. The PCC will also work on producing a Disaster Management Plan, to help ensure that in the event of a disaster they can respond with preparedness and in the most effective ways. The CBC has issued guidance on this, available on Church Care.

 

Detection and alarm systems need to be kept serviced and up to date. Training, close co-ordination and co-operation with the Fire Brigade are essential prerequisites of successful disaster prevention. A realistic appreciation of protective measures might suggest that the building be separated into zones. Evacuation procedures in the event of an emergency when the church is in extensive use, e.g. major services, concerts etc. should be developed and appropriate training given.

 

New legislation makes it essential that persons responsible for non-domestic buildings maintain records of asbestos in the building, for use by those carrying out works and by the emergency services. This should include a plan showing the location of any asbestos, a risk assessment and a plan for the management of assessed risks (A type X Asbestos Building Survey was carried out by X in X.) QI report notes possible areas places where there may be asbestos and recommends that a report is commissioned as a matter of priority.

 

Policy 9: Periodically review the statutory requirements and constraints governing the management of the church and site with the help of the Archdeacon and DAC, particularly in the light of the proposed Heritage Protection Review and Heritage Protection Agreements with Historic England and the local authority. If necessary, short guidance notes to be circulated to PCC and other interested parties so that all are fully aware of necessary procedures.

 

Policy 10: The PCC will make strong representations to the appropriate planning and strategic bodies matters on all issues and proposals that might affect the PCC directly or indirectly, making use of the material in the CMP.

 

Policy 11: There are various aspects of the church and its furnishings and fittings which would benefit from research into the possibilities of proactive conservation techniques. The DAC and CBC should be approached for advice and possible funding. Efforts will be made to procure grant aid towards research and conservation work, including (for example):

• The monuments
• The internal carvings and fabric
• The woodwork, particularly the Medieval items

 

Policy 12: Visitor management is an issue in terms of outreach.  The parish will endeavour to continue to keep the church open to visitors throughout the week and on Saturdays.  The printed guidebooks will be reviewed and updated according to the information in the CMP and as part of the Quinquennial review process and/or when new information becomes available. All possibilities to improve visitor appreciation and numbers will be actively considered.

 

Policy 13: Archaeology policy.

 

Policy 13a: The church and churchyard have been defined as being of considerable archaeological significance. The policy of the PCC is to protect and if possible enhance this significance. The guidance set out in ADCA 2004 and Elders 2005 will be followed.

 

Policy 13b: The policy of the PCC in regard to human remains and their archaeology is to follow the procedures laid down by the Church of England/ Historic England (formerly English Heritage) 2005 guidance document.

 

Policy 14: The PCC will work in the long term with the architect and potential external partners such as Historic England and university departments towards developing and maintaining a comprehensive database (in hard copy and digital formats, with appropriate storage locations and environments) of accurate records for the interior and exterior of the church and the area surrounding including:

 

• A geophysical survey of the floors within the church and the whole churchyard would greatly increase knowledge of the development of the church, while providing useful information regarding possible future development of the building and site.
• A fabric typology survey (internal and external) identifying original fabric and subsequent phases of repair/restoration graphically, photographically and in text would be of great use to disentangle the complex history of the building

 

Policy 15: The PCC will encourage diversity of habitat in areas of open space where this is appropriate. Be aware of lichen on walls and monuments and protected species and legal requirements in this respect. (A bat survey was carried out by X in X?).

 

Policy 16: The PCC will take into account in all its policies the need for environmentally and economically sustainable development and management, and will consult the DAC regarding playing its part in “Shrinking the Footprint” of the church in terms of its environmental impact.

7       BIBLIOGRAPHY AND SOURCES

 

Armson, J.M. (1962) St. Mary de Castro, Leicester. A brief account. (Second edition). Ramsgate: Graham Cumming

 

Collins, J.R. (1935) A glimpse into the past: the Royal Foundation of St. Mary de Castro. British Library catalogue ref: X.702/1115

 

Diocese of Leicester (2015) City Centre Churches Together accessed at

http://www.leicester.anglican.org/shaped-by-god/mission-partnerships/city-centre-churches-together/

 

Leicester City Council Castle Conservation Area Character Appraisal (Adopted 2007) accessed at

http://www.leicester.gov.uk/planning-and-building/conservation/heritage-conservation/conservation-areas/castle

 

McEvedy, E.B. (2014) The Church of St Mary de Castro, Leicester: Quinquennial Inspection Report. Stathern: E.B. McEvedy Historic Building Consultants

 

St Mary de Castro PCC Access Statement accessed at http://www.stmarydecastro.org.uk/Visiting.htm

 

St Mary de Castro PCC Statement of Need (in relation to the 2015 Proposed Reordering)

 

St Mary de Castro PCC (2015) Statement of Significance

 

University of Leicester Leicester Faith Trail (2^nd Edition) accessed at http://www2.le.ac.uk/departments/archaeology/research/projects/mapping-faith/faith-trail

 

A History of the County of Leicestershire: Volume 2: The College of St Mary de Castro (1954), VCH.: Leicestershire accessed at,

http://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/leics/vol2/pp45-46

 

W.G. Hoskins and R.A. McKinley, eds. (1954)

LF Salzman The Victoria History of the County of Worcester 1969 The Victoria History of the Counties of England  Volume: 9 – Page References: 75-8

 

Church Archaeology guidance

 

Association of Diocesan and Cathedral Archaeologists Guidance Note 1: Archaeological work in churches and churchyards: 2002. Available on the ADCA web site at http://www.britarch.ac.uk/adca/documents/ADCAGuidanceNote1.pdf

 

Church of England/English Heritage: Guidance for best practice for the treatment of human remains excavated from Christian burial grounds: 2005. Available on the EH at http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/upload/pdf/16602_HumanRemains1.pdf.

 

Elders, J A. Discovering the past, informing the future: a guide to archaeology for parishes: Church House publishing 2004.

 

Churchcare web site http://www.churchcare.co.uk

 

APPENDIX 2

 

Map 1: Boundary of Castle Conservation Area

(Leicester City Council, 2007)

 

APPENDIX 3

List Entry Summary

This building is listed under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as amended for its special architectural or historic interest.

 

Name: CHURCH OF ST MARY DE CASTRO

 

List entry Number: 1074070

 

Location

CHURCH OF ST MARY DE CASTRO, CASTLE YARD

Grade: I

 

Date first listed: 05-Jan-1950

 

Date of most recent amendment: Not applicable to this List entry.

List entry Description

Details

SK 5804 LEICESTER CASTLE YARD 718/2/26 Church of St Mary de Castro 5.1.50

GV I

Church. Founded cll07 by first Earl of Leicester as collegiate chapel attached to the castle. Early C13 and early C14, altered C15 and 1785 by John Cheshire, restored 1853-4 by Sir George Gilbert Scott additions 1899 by GF Bodley. MATERIALS: coursed rubble and ashlar with ashlar dressings and lead roofs. PLAN: nave with north aisle and south aisle with clerestory, south porch and tower with tall spire, chancel and north transept and vestry. EXTERIOR: west front has centra16-light pointed arch window and to left round headed doorway with zig-zag moulding. To right tall square tower with a single small lancet to each face and octagonal stair turret to south-west corner. Bell stage has 5 bay blind arcading with central 2-light bell opening to each face and battlements with tall corner pinnacles. Above octagonal stone spire with crockets and alternating lucarnes. South front has single lancet to lett and projecting gabled porch with triple pointed arch doorway and double doors with elaborate iron hinges and to right 4 pointed arch windows with reticulated tracery and alternating buttresses plus above eight 3-light windows with 4-centred arch heads. East front has to south aisle a large 7 -light pointed arch window, added 1847, with reticulated tracery. Chancel has 2 large round headed windows with zig-zag moulding and above a similar blind arch, plus 2 similar windows to south. North front has central round headed doorway to aisle with double arch decorated with zig-zag moulding and supported on 2 columns, above small round headed niche. Either side 2 pointed arch windows. Gabled north transept has 3-light pointed arch window and beyond set-back vestry with two 3-light 4-centred arch windows. Chancel has 5 round headed windows with zig-zag moulding to arches, linking impost band and columns. INTERIOR: has in chancel important round headed piscina and elaborate triple arched sedilia. South aisle has triple pointed arched sedilia. 4 bay nave arcade with moulded and pointed arches, south arcade topped with internal clerestory made up of single deeply chamfered pointed arches. Wooden roofs C16 restored C19. Fittings include C19 wooden pews and organ case. Wooden parclose screen to chancel. C13 stone font. Fine reredos added 1899. Monuments include wall monument with figure of The Rev Thomas Robinson by J Bacon junior.

Listing NGR: SK5828504188