A long-hidden medieval door has been uncovered and carefully restored at All Saints Alburgh, thanks to support from the Heritage Fund—work that is now helping the church open its doors to a range of events. The oak door, believed to date from the 14th or 15th century and showing continental influence, was discovered behind a bricked-up doorway while work was underway to create an accessible entrance. An initial grant of £350 enabled a specialist conservation report, followed by a further £5,000 towards restoration.
Churchwarden Ann Wrench, who has served for 10 years, said the discovery formed part of a wider effort to make the small, aisle-less church more welcoming and usable. With no space for an indoor toilet, plans required opening a blocked north doorway to improve access. When the brickwork was removed, the original oak door was found in poor condition, later revealed by experts to include historic features such as protective “apotropaic” markings carved into the wood.
Rather than replacing it, the additional Heritage Fund grant made it possible to conserve and reinstate the historic door as part of the upgrade. Alongside improved accessibility and new facilities, the restoration is enabling the church to host concerts, gatherings and other community events more easily. Work on a new servery is expected to follow, further supporting the church’s role as a flexible space at the heart of village life.
Image credit: Ann Wrench