Protection of Stained Glass at St Leonard at the Hythe Colchester

St Leonard’s hosts a very fine selection of high quality Victorian stained-glass windows made by the famous London manufacturer Heaton, Butler and Bayne. The project seeks to provide stainless steel wire mesh protection to the four of these windows not already so protected, plus one other window considered vulnerable to damage.

Protection is seen as an essential step towards encouraging greater public awareness and use of this wonderful church, and restoring its place at the heart of the Hythe community.
This historic area of Colchester has higher than average levels of deprivation. Despite this, there is growing realisation that St Leonard’s can play an important part in community life.The Friends of St Leonard’s support the work of the Churches Cosnervation Trust locally by opening the church regularly for visitors and exhibitions are held in the newly created Tower Gallery. Concerts, a play, poetry readings, book launches and music events are regularly held inside the church. Outside, the churchyard, now cleared of undergrowth and rubbish, has been used for events. All events are free to attend. A recent success, further bringing the church back to life, has been the recommissioning and regular ringing of the six bells (two dating from 15C).

The stained-glass windows are vulnerable to accidental damage or, sadly, deliberate acts of vandalism. With protection of the windows secured, the Friends will be able to concentrate on providing the essential facilities required to open the church to regular and larger community events.