Church revamp sheds light on ancient treasures

More has been learned about a hidden vault in the vestry and an examination by experts of a piece of textile hanging on a wall has shown it to be an Elizabethan gem which is significantly older than previously thought.

The 15th century St Bartholomew's Church at Tong – which is sometimes dubbed "the Westminster Abbey of the Midlands" – is undergoing work costing around £500,000, raised through grants and local fundraising. A second phase of work which will include creating a kitchen and toilet will cost a similar amount.

And as the village aims to raise its game as a visitor destination, there is a separate scheme under way which will see information boards erected shortly to tell the story of the church, the adjoining ruins, and the disappeared Tong Castle.

One part of the wide-ranging work involves turning the vestry – previously cold, damp, and used to store things – into a pleasant place to meet and chat.

"When I came here four and a half years ago the vestry was indescribably awful," said minister-in-charge, the Rev Pippa Thorneycroft.

A transformation began last month, with an archaeological watching brief.

"Under the floor of the vestry is a vault, and we had to discover where the vault lay, which meant a ground penetrating radar survey, which told us it was north to south, and where it was.

"In the vault – and this was not a discovery as it's written on the top – are an Archdeacon, the Venerable Charles Buckeridge, his wife, and three children. The vault is only 19th century, but the vestry has been there since the beginning, so they must have dug up the vestry to put the vault in."

Another area of work has been replacing lead in the church roof with terne-coated stainless steel.

"We had had seven lead thefts in 10 years, so I believe."

Drains, pipes, gutters, and stonework are among other areas benefiting from the work, which will require the church clock being removed, and the wheezy organ is in line for refurbishment.

In preparing the vestry for its revamp, a piece of fabric hanging on the wall was taken away – and held a surprise when examined by experts.

"Somebody took it to the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court Palace, who were thrilled with it. It was given to Tong church in 1635, but they reckon that it's possibly 100 years older.

"The Royal School of Needlework thinks the basic velvet and simple patterns date from the mid-16th century, but that it was embellished with the mottos, sunburst and angels a hundred years later, which was when it was given to Tong by a Lady Harries.

"It's now being restored and framed."

The material, about 6ft by 4ft, is described as a pulpit fall, although there are several possibilities as to its exact purpose.

Lady Harries also donated the gold and crystal Tong Cup, which is on loan to the Dean and Chapter of Lichfield Cathedral. It is intended that the cup will feature again at St Bartholomew's as a hologram by the south porch, a revamp of which is part of the planned second phase, along with a toilet and kitchen, and improved heating.

Pippa said projected overall finish date for the entire programme was 2020.

In tandem with the church work some short films are being produced telling Tong's story, in which famous radio presenter Simon Bates, who grew up in Tong, has agreed to do the voiceover.

Pippa said Simon's mother Joan died a few years ago, breaking the family connection with the village, although Simon came to Tong from Devon to visit his mother's grave from time to time.