The aim of the project has not been to restore the church to what it might have looked like, with roof etc, in 1824 or in any other subsequent year.
We would not wish to compromise the integrity of the ruin and its evocative appeal by efforts to recreate or a erect a copy of the original building, which itself has undergone changes since it was built. To see what the church would have looked like in 1824 a computer model has been made:
Instead the aim has been to conserve the structure and to stabilize it as it has stood over the past 50 years in such a way that the ruin will be preserved for the public to enjoy for the foreseeable future. But in order to achieve a lasting stabilization we have had to carry out some restoration for structural reasons, that is to say, where without repair and replacement of missing stones the future of the structure would be at risk.
All but one of the arches and casements (though not the belfry) have been repaired, the tops of the walls have been re-assembled to carry a concealed ring beam from which wooden beams now support the gables, corner stones made of reconstituted stone have replaced those that have been stolen from the church. As far as possible the mortar used for binding stone and aggregate has been of the same lime mix that was used in 1824. “A lovely setting"
“Beautiful, peaceful location - quite emotional”
“Quiet and contemplative”
“Interesting history”
“First integrated church in the caribbean”
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More about The Cottle Church:
The history
Key figures in the Church's history
Visiting the Church
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