Background
This medieval church was heavily restored in 1848-49 by George Gilbert Scott, with further restoration in the 1880s.
The complexities of the medieval building were enhanced by the Victorian alterations, resulting in a high maintenance liability for the smaller congregation of the present generation. An award of National Lottery funding is supporting a new project to restore the nave roof.
Heritage Innovation was commissioned by Arrol Green to undertake aerial survey and photogrammetry, and to produce CAD drawings of the roof structure.
Scope
The site is on the edge of Ellesmere, but adjacent to a busy main road (A495) and with residential buildings surrounding the churchyard. The building is Grade I listed with a number of mature trees in close proximity. Heritage Innovation used a lightweight drone to undertake aerial photogrammetry from which to create 3D models. Ground control points and hand-held LiDAR were also deployed to ensure dimensional accuracy.
The main focus of the work was the roof structure - but also included the principal external elevations.
Outcomes
Nearly 3000 images were used to generate and render an accurately georeferenced 3D model of the roof and building exterior. This was used to generate orthographic plans and elevations, which in turn were used to produce a CAD drawing of the roof and details.
The 3D model can be viewed here: https://skfb.ly/pxUAZ
More information about the history of the site, and some additional images, can be found below.
Site history
Ellesmere was a Norman settlement, and parts of the church probably date to the 11th century. The south chancel chapel dates to the early 14th century, and the tower was rebuilt in 1439-49. The north chancel chapel is probably early 16th century.
The roof of the south chancel chapel has, according to Pevsner, ‘the finest roof in Shropshire’.
A font of 1569 was replaced in the 19th century. The bells, and a sundial in the churchyard, date to the 1720s.
Images
