St Michael’s Church, Bishops Cleeve – repair and restoration of an ancient and very rare timber staircase.

The 15th Century staircase is in the North transept and gives access to the Tower. The structural engineer found that the oak stairs are sound, but that the bannister to the left is loose. Hugh Harrison, accredited conservator, surveyed with a view to repair and restoration. He needs to dismantle the bannister/balustrade, then reassemble and restore it, with deference to methods and materials used by the medieval joiner. The staircase is probably unique and is of national importance. We will conserve it for future generations and make the structure secure and fit for use for many years to come.