All Saints

Originally built in 1862, All Saints was commissioned by Charles Lefroy, as a memorial to his young wife, Janet, who died in 1858. Sadly, Charles died before the church was completed and a memorial, designed by William Burges and worked by Thomas Nicholls, was placed in the church.

This highly decorative Burges church is gothic in style. Following the fire, Cliveden Conservation restored the stunning Burges wall art to its original vivid colours. 

Various objects within the church, although badly burnt and damaged, have undergone conservation work including the charred timber high altar, the war memorial and a battlefield cross. These items, act as a powerful reminder of the events of 2015.

The pulpit, designed by William Burges and carved by Thomas Nicholls, was also badly damaged in the fire. Restoration took place in Cliveden’s workshop, after dismantling it stone by stone. The transformed pulpit was then returned and rebuilt. 

Of particular interest, is the new rose window, designed and made by Amanda Winfield of Abinger Hammer Stained Glass. This brightly coloured modern masterpiece, entitled ‘Devotion’ depicts a dove in the centre panel with water and air represented in the five large outer spheres. Discerning viewers may be able to distinguish two geese flying in the top panel and fish in the bottom two. This is a reference to Fleet Pond a local nature reserve which is or huge importance in the formation of the town and highly valued as a place of quiet contemplation. 

Although devastating, the fire of 2015, has resulted in a first-class restoration of this listed building, bringing it back to its original splendour.