NORTH PORCH PROJECT
The Friends of St. John’s are supporting the St John’s Church North Porch project this year (2026).
First impressions count and there are many important features we need to preserve. Our entrance porch is looking rather unloved and so it’s been decided to refurbish it this year. This will involve some specialist maintenance work and refreshing of the architecture and decor with period materials. Although a lot of the work will be undertaken by volunteers, we estimate that the cost of materials and specialist work will approach £5,000
What is going to be done?
Starting externally: The historic original Horsham Slab porch roof is shedding mortar on which the roofing slabs are bedded and pointed. You can often see evidence of mortar on the pathway to the church. Moss needs removal, the old perished mortar needs clearing out and a proper lime mortar mix applied.
The ornate C17th carved oak barge board over the entrance needs cleaning and protecting.
Inside the porch there is damp in the walls and. A replacement French-drain needs to be excavated externally and filled with shingle to drain surface water away, thus preventing damp penetration. Once secure and dried out, replastering and decoration will follow.
At the same time, it is intended to highlight a feature not many people are aware of or notice. Above the internal doors is a Norman semi-circular carved archway perched on original pillars typical of the period. It is intended to clean off the white paint and reveal the original stone in all its glory.
Along with new notice boards and cleaning of the old oak doors, we hope to give a fresh, welcoming look to the porch whilst retaining its historic features.
If you would like to contribute towards the cost of the North Porch project
please make a donation at : https://www.fostj.org/porch-donation/
Some more images from archives Edward Hassell (1811 – 1852)
