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Heritage, Ecclesiastical
Refurbishment
Ref:
A0790
Buxton delivered the restoration and reordering of All Saints’ Church in Fleet, Hampshire, a Grade II* listed building originally designed by the renowned Victorian architect William Burges. Commissioned by Charles Edward Lefroy as a memorial to his wife, Janet Lefroy, the church stands as one of Fleet’s most architecturally significant historic buildings.
The church suffered catastrophic damage following an arson attack, which destroyed the roof and much of the interior. While the main brick structure survived, the roof, internal decoration, and many original fittings were lost or severely damaged.
Buxton’s works focused on reinstating the church fabric and returning the building to active use as a place of worship and community gathering. A new cross-laminated timber roof was constructed, replacing the original structure and designed for long-term performance while respecting the building’s heritage.
Internally, specialist conservation work was undertaken alongside wider restoration. Masonry was carefully cleaned and repaired, decorative schemes reinstated, and damaged historic elements conserved. Cliveden Conservation played a key role in this process, delivering meticulous conservation works including the cleaning and stabilisation of internal brickwork, restoration of painted schemes, and detailed work to carved features such as the pulpit and altar rail. Their expertise ensured the historic fabric was preserved to the highest conservation standards.
A highlight of the restoration is the new stained glass rose window, designed and crafted by Amanda Winfield of Abinger Stained Glass. Known as Devotion, the window depicts the Holy Spirit as a dove at its centre, with surrounding panels representing natural elements such as air and water. These panels incorporate symbolic references to local heritage, including geese and fish from nearby Fleet Pond, along with over 100 individually engraved leaves bearing the names of parishioners and local supporters who contributed to the rebuild.
Historically, the original rose window, designed by Arthur Louis Moore, depicted Christ in Majesty with figures of biblical importance surrounding him. Although lost in the fire, this heritage underlines the longstanding role of stained glass artistry in the church’s architectural identity.
Externally, the restored West Door and new entrance porch were completed, together with a paved lay-by off Church Road to improve accessibility for services, weddings, and community events.
The church has since been reconsecrated, marking its return as a central part of community life in Fleet.
This project demonstrates Buxton’s expertise in heritage restoration, combining meticulous conservation, structural renewal, high-quality craftsmanship, and the sensitive integration of modern and historic elements to revitalise one of the region’s most treasured buildings.
Gallery Images from
All Saints Church
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