| Paths & Lighting: The churchyard faces east into the North Sea
totally exposed to the elements. For the local community as well as tens of thousands of visitors and pilgrims
it is the only way to access the Church or the adjacent Lindisfarne Priory.
Up until 'phase one' the paths were narrow and inadequate. Pedestrian and wheelchair access was
difficult and with almost no lighting safety was a concern. |
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| Phase One modifications have enabled the widening and resurfacing
of pathways and the provision of an efficient electric lighting system. Also within the churchyard, replacement
oak gates were commissioned and fitted at both entrances.
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| Church Entrance: Before this phase of restoration, visitors entered the
Church from the south side by stepping down into the porch then crossing to the church door. Opening the door
revealed the immediate onset of full width stone leading down onto the floor of the nave. Access was difficult
for funerals, impossible for wheelchair users and in poor lighting a risk to the sick and infirm as well as
the able-bodied.
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Phase One improvements included lowering the external path to produce a level
entrance through the porch. Resiting the font to the centre aisle enabled the steps at the nave entrance
to be enlarged, fitted with a bannister and a ramp for wheelchair users to be built along the east wall.
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The Priest's Door: In living memory there has always been a blank door panel
on the inner southern wall of Chancel mirroring a doorway in the outer wall. It is not clear at
what stage in the history of St.Mary's this was permanently blocked up. During phase II of restoration
it was planned that a stone extension would be built to facilitate a much-needed larger vestry. The most
appropriate site would enclose this medieval Priest's door. The external, existing structural detail would be
preserved within this enclosure.
Phase One work included the opening of the chancel wall and the commissioning and fitting of
a purpose built oak door. The task was one of the first tasks to be completed that affected the church building
itself such that it would provide for everyday public access to the church during the period other internal works
were taking place. |
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