St Oswald’s Church in Askrigg has been repaired and restored by Ferry & Mennim — now merged with Donald Insall Associates — and stone mason Matthias Garn & Partner.
- Sector
- Faith
- Tags
- Grade I
- Service
- Conservation architecture
A Quinquennial inspection confirmed areas of dampness in the Grade I-listed church and West Tower, due to water seeping into the walls, causing mould and decay. According to the church council meeting minutes, this had been ongoing since the early part of the 20th century.
Thorough research, including consultation with Historic England, concluded that the best solution for the exposed structure was to both repoint with lime and provide an overcoat of lime finish, largely in the form of a hot mix render. Supporting this, research also revealed that an original lime coat had been removed in 1853.
A series of investigations and meetings with the Park Authority and English Heritage concluded that there would be support for a proposal to render the tower, and an application for planning permission was lodged in 2019.
Following the works, the tower’s new look has received national attention, and the project has been honoured by the Ecclesiastical Architects and Surveyors Association (EASA), which awarded the church the "King of Prussia Gold Medal" in early 2026.
Project Team
| Client | St Oswald's Church |
| Architect | Ferrey & Mennim – now merged with Donald Insall Associates |
| Stone mason | Matthias Garn & Partner |
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