The Organ - A brief history

The church, whose architecture is essentially Georgian in character, had at one time galleries all around the nave. High up at the west end was a classical organ installed by John Byfield around 1780. A small amount of pipework (including the Swell Stopped Diapason) remains in use today. After several resitings during the Victorian restoration of the building, the organ took on its present character and site in 1901 when it was rebuilt by Rothwell - a notable builder of many church organs at the turn of the century. After several minor modifications, the next major reconstruction occurred in 1962 when Rushworth and Draeper electrified the organ. Further modernisation and overhaul was carried out in 1974 and 1986.

During the 1990's, after many years of intensive use, it became clear that a thorough overhaul and modernisation of the whole organ was needed. The work was entrusted to Nicholson & Co. (Worcester) Ltd. In addition to renewing the action and lowering the organ's rather sharp pitch, small tonal changes have been made that acknowledge the church's classical ambience and will allow the authentic performance of a greater variety of music. The organ was dedicated on 11 January 1998.

For a fuller description, click here.

Martin Holford

Organist & Director of Music