16/05/2026
A Church Steeped in History
St James the Less stands proudly on the first high ground above the floodplain of the River Wenning in Tatham, Lancashire. This Grade II* listed Anglican parish church has origins in the Norman period, with significant fabric surviving from the 13th and 15th centuries. Its west tower was rebuilt in 1722, and in 1885 – 87 the distinguished Lancaster architects Paley and Austin transformed the building, adding the distinctive saddleback roof and refining the Gothic detailing that gives the church much of its present character.
Constructed from local sandstone with a stone slate roof, the church comprises a nave, north aisle, south porch, chancel, vestry and west tower – each element contributing to a rich architectural narrative shaped over centuries.
The Restoration Challenge
In 2018, the Quinquennial Inspection Report identified the roof was at the end of its lifespan, with evidence of water ingress appearing internally, and slates slipping externally, highlighting risks to both the historic structure and the church’s long‑term resilience. Responding to this need, HPA Architects were appointed to undertake a sensitive reroofing project: specifying and detailing the repairs required; obtaining the necessary Faculty Approvals and tendering and administering a JCT Contract. Careful investigations and targeted opening up were undertaken to confirm the make-up of the roof and ceiling in advance of the works progressing.
During the works, HPA Architects worked closely with the main Contractor, Duckett Building Services, to resolve any outstanding unknown details and ensure their resolution was in line with best practice and maintained the significance of the building.
Our Approach
Now successfully completed, the project stands as an exemplar of conservation‑led craftsmanship. Working on a Grade II* listed church required thoughtful methodology, close communication with the Parochial Church Council (PCC), Diocese Advisory Committee (DAC) and main Contractor and expertise in traditional building techniques.
Key interventions included the careful removal of the original stone slates, some extending over 44 inches. These were then sorted onsite and supplemented with carefully sourced reclaimed stone slates, before being reinstated, ensuring the historic character of the roof was retained. The careful removal of the stone slates and battens by the contractor allowed for the historic lath and plaster ceiling to be retained throughout the works, with minimal patch repairs required to make good the water-damaged sections only.
The installation of new timber battens and correctly laid slates improved the building’s environmental performance while allowing the historic fabric to breathe. Traditional detail was reinstated using Lime mortar bedding for ridge tiles, ensuring longevity in line with conservation best practice. Updated and improved water shedding details and rainwater goods have been installed to protect the historic building fabric from increased rainfall.
With the water ingress resolved, redecoration of the church ceiling, with a suitable breathable paint, was completed to provide a light and welcoming environment.
Sustainability and Heritage
The completed reroofing project reflects a sustainable approach to conservation – prioritising reuse of original stone slates, retaining historic materials wherever viable, and employing traditional construction techniques with low embodied energy. These choices not only reduce environmental impact but also ensure the church continues to age gracefully, in harmony with its centuries‑old fabric.
Today, St James the Less remains a living testament to Lancashire’s architectural and ecclesiastical heritage. Its Norman doorway, Gothic arches and Victorian refinements sit comfortably alongside the careful interventions of this recent conservation project, ensuring the building is protected, celebrated and ready to serve future generations.
We are proud to have helped safeguard the next chapter of its long and remarkable story.
https://www.hpa.ltd/craftsmanship-conservation-restoring-st-james-the-less-church-tatham/
Duckett Building Services Blackburn Diocese
