“I thank God and ever shall. It is the sheep hath payed for all”
These words of John Barton of Holme-by-Newark would serve for many of his contemporaries who made their fortune in wool and expressed their thanks to God (and pride in their success) in building churches, Not least among these 15th century wool merchants was John Tame,
In 1479 he leased the Royal Manor of Fairford, later moving to the town.
In 1491 he received permission to demolish the old church and build a new one.
The windows were subsequently installed at a cost probably beyond the Tames, requiring the support of wealthy benefactors.
If it was once true that the sheep could pay for it all, it is certainly no longer true.
In June 2010 we celebrated the completion of a long programme to restore and conserve the windows. This was funded by numerous contributions from individuals, both local and from afar, as well as generous sources of support such as trusts.
This ancient and glorious building needs continuing support. Tame’s original stonework is delicate, the roof prone to leak. At any time, urgent help may be required. Do join the Friends, to ensure that we, in our time, care for the church and hand it on in good order for the next generations.
The Friends of Fairford Church is a separate charity with its own Board of Trustees. It was established in 1981 with the objective of providing financial help to the PCC for the preservation repair, restoration, improvement and ornamentation of the fabric of the church.
Examples of recent payments made are modernising the winding and other support systems of the church clock and installing a lead roof alarm with CCTV system.
Pending projects include the installation of internal glass doors and a new digital sound system.
To enable us to carry out our work, we invite you to become a “Friend” and either contribute annually, or by way of a ‘one off ‘gift, as shown below.
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Individual {per annum} £25
Family (per annum) £40
Life Membership £400
As a member of the Friends of Fairford Church, you will be helping to safeguard this precious inheritance.
Any questions regarding the work of the Friends should be addressed to :
The Chairman,
c/o The Parish Office
Community Centre,
High Street
Fairford
GL7 4AF
A membership form is available by following this link.
Updated 22nd September 2024