High above our heads, our church roofs quietly protect centuries of history every single day.
At St Oswald’s, our lead roofs serve as a silent guardian, shielding irreplaceable community heritage, ancient architecture, and local memories from the elements.
Today, investing in replacing worn lead is not just a building project; it is a vital act of preservation that ensures this sacred space stands strong for generations to come.
Lead has been the material of choice for historic churches for centuries due to its exceptional weather protection capabilities. It creates a completely watertight barrier against heavy downpours, frost, and gale-force winds.
Furthermore, using traditional lead sheets maintains the historic authenticity of the building, honouring the original craftspeople who built St Oswald's and ensuring its architectural integrity remains intact.
Lead is also totally recyclable. With both roofs being replaced in 2027, the existing lead will be removed, melted down and re-used elsewhere.
Replacing both roofs is also a matter of financial urgency. A failing roof allows water to seep into the structure, and replacing worn lead now succeeds in preventing expensive internal damage. Left unchecked, water ingress threatens historic timber beams, internal artifacts, stained glass windows and our beloved church organ, leading to astronomical repair bills down the line.
The lead on the South Transept and South Aisle roofs have already endured almost 100 summers and winters, and while the initial cost of leadwork requires investment, a well-installed lead roof offers a remarkably long lifespan for at least another 100 years.
By addressing these repairs, we are providing St Oswald's with a sustainable long-term plan that protects the church, well beyond our lives.
We’ll be sharing updates weekly in the newsletter, on our website and with the Derby Diocese.