24 October 2025

St Peter & St Paul Holsworthy DHCT Case Study

Case Studies, Who Are We?

Where: St Peter & St Paul Holsworthy

Location: Google Maps

The Works: Re-fix and strengthen the fixture of 24 pilasters

DHCT Grant Awarded: £4,000.00

Total Project Fund: £9,871.20

Date of DHCT Grant Award: Oct 2025

Project Start: Sept 2025

Project End: Completed

Overview

Following driving rain and heavy winds in April this year, a crocket pinnacle from the church tower fell onto the church roof, causing damage to the slates. The steeplejacks report revealed 3 further pilasters were loose and safely removed two of them. The third proved too difficult to remove and we were advised to re-fix and strengthen the fixture of all 24 pilasters as soon as possible.

Additionally, a new crack appeared at the top of the tower under the north-east pinnacle. We obtained a faculty advising strengthening the corner with stainless steel rods.

The Grant Application & Project

The pilaster was moved in May by the steeplejacks when they conducted their survey of the tower. The roof was repaired by the church’s builder in June.

A faculty to replace and repair the stonework was obtained in July. The insurance cover provided for the cost of repairs directly caused by the storm.

The additional costs of strengthening the pilasters and repairing the crack at the top of the tower were not covered by the church insurance. The quote for this is £12,756.

The steeplejacks returned in September and completed their work on the tower in October. The photo shows the repairs to the crack at the top of the tower, and two of the re-instated pilasters. The rest have also been pinned to the stonework.

The PCC and Rector of St Peter & St Paul gratefully thank Devon Historic Churches Trust for their support and grant aid towards this essential work. The grant award provides a substantial sum of the total funds which need to be raised and has provided a much-needed moral boost to the congregation