St. Michael's Church - Tilehurst

JG Restorations carried out a comprehensive programme of conservation and refurbishment at St. Michael's Church in Tilehurst, demonstrating our commitment to preserving historic integrity while enhancing functionality.

The recently completed, meticulous restoration work , included re-tiling the entire roof with traditional handmade clay tiles, replacing external cast iron guttering to match existing profiles, and repairing flint-rendered walls using traditional flint knapping embedded in lime mortar. Additionally, coping stones were repaired or replaced with Bath stone, exemplifying the company’s commitment to authentic craftsmanship and heritage preservation.



Our works also included the meticulous cleaning of all internal stonework, windows, arches, roof timbers, and the reredos, restoring the building’s original character and detail. Careful lime plaster repairs were undertaken to maintain the structure’s breathability and authenticity, followed by internal redecoration using traditional Farrow & Ball distemper, ensuring a historically appropriate finish.

To improve accessibility, we sensitively redesigned the internal layout—within the existing footprint—to construct two fully accessible toilets for disabled users, integrating modern requirements without compromising the building’s heritage.

Further restoration works included the repair and reinstatement of the choir stalls, where damaged carved pitch pine elements were expertly replaced to match the original craftsmanship. The front entrance door was also carefully repolished, enhancing both its appearance and longevity.

During works to the chancel floor, the ledger stone marking the grave of Henry Zinzano (1610–1676) was discovered. In accordance with best conservation practices, the stone was sensitively lifted, correctly reoriented, and relaid flush with the finished floor level, ensuring both its preservation and appropriate presentation within the space.

All works were undertaken under the close supervision and guidance of specialist archaeologists, ensuring full compliance with heritage and archaeological standards while safeguarding the historical significance of the site.