THOSE with a head for heights are invited to get up close and personal with new stonework at Stratford’s Holy Trinity Church.
On Wednesday mornings throughout November and early December, history buffs and conservation and architect enthusiasts are invited to join a free tour of the exterior of the North Transept – the horizontal area which crosses the nave – being restored at the church in Old Town.
The tours follow on from a successful open evening in October, where attendees saw a new film about the church and a virtual tour.
There were also talks including from Shakespeare expert Dr Paul Edmondson, who revealed new research suggesting the Bard himself – who is buried at the church – commissioned the monument in the chancel, and from The Friends of Shakespeare’s Church on the group’s projects such as the works to the transept and conservation of the medieval doors.
Friends chair Alan Haigh said: ‘We were delighted that so many of our Friends and their guests attended our first event for nearly two years.
“We are grateful for their continuing support and, on the night, we received donations for our projects as well as a number of new members.
“We will be announcing our spring events programme soon and hope that people might consider giving Friend’s membership as a Christmas gift this year. It can all be done via our new website.”
The tours will last about 45 mins to an hour and include using a temporary staircase to a platform enabling a close view of the stonework repairs and information from master mason Louis James.
Non-members are asked to make a donation in return.
Visit www.shakespeareschurch.co.uk for more details.
