Discoveries

During the near 3-year project a number of exciting discoveries were made as we explored, conserved and celebrated this beautiful church.

These discoveries were not necessarily planned, but were things that we came across as we delved deeper into the fascinating past of the church.

The Old Stained Glass Window

This Window was the original window that would have been seen as you approach the church through the red door. It shows an intricate tree of life design and was sadly vandalised in the 1980’s.

This window has been stored in the depths of the church basement for many years and through the many events that have taken place in the project, it has been on display and shared with members of the public for the first time since it was removed.

It was also discovered that the window has an extra special meaning as it was originally donated by the Palairet family, who were the founders of the original Christ Church School.

We are excited to share that t is currently undergoing a restoration, and will be on display in the church very soon.

19th Century Embroidery

During the restoration works during Autumn 2025 - wrapped in an old pillowcase in the bottom of a wardrobe in the nave: this beautiful ‘work in progress’ embroidery shows late C19th techniques, and was seemingly being reworked into a new altar super frontal in the 1970s.

It’s a mystery who the embroiderer was or why their beautiful work stopped…..do let us know if anyone can shed any light…?

This beautiful piece of craftsmanship has now been framed complete with its’ pins, needle and threads and proudly hangs in the nave at Christ Church for all to enjoy.

Graffiti Wall Names

Christ Church has a rather remarkable wall next to the organ, that is a huge montage of names of Choirboys which were drawn or engraved into the wall upon leaving the choir. There are a huge array of names, dates, drawings and even local addresses to be found on the wall

During a history tour in December 2025, year 6 children from Christ Church School had a go at recording names off the walls. The created a very extensive list of names, which can be found here.

Are there any you recognise?

Hidden date and Initials

Found up high on the South wall of the Nave, a date of 1925 and the initials C.F. and S.T. were found painted onto one of the Crowns.

It is thought to be the name and the date of the people who painted the friezes and crowns onto the Nave walls.

This was discovered during Peter Martindale’s wall painting conservation. It may be quite tricky to see from ground level.

Christ Church Star

During the project, it was discovered by many that Christ Church does in fact have a star named after it.

In the year of the millennium, someone signed up to an organisation named the International Star Registry to name a star after Christ Church. The certificate is dated 27 January 2000 and the star is known by astronomers as: ORION RA 05h 35m 12.525 – D 13° 40’

The registration documents for this star were found in a dusty cupboard in the vestry.