St. Peter and St. Paul’s Church, Gosberton
Whilst there was undoubtedly some restoration and repair work undertaken in the 16th to 18th centuries, our knowledge of such work in Victorian times is much greater, thanks to available newspaper archives, and the publication of a book, ‘A Brief History of the Church and Parish of Gosberton,’ written by Gosberton schoolmaster Walter Jenkinson Kaye in 1897.
There were two major restorations of the church in Victorian times – one in the 1860s, the other in the 1890s.
The 1860s restoration was overseen by the Vicar, Rev. John Topham.
The Chancel
The north and east walls of the Chancel were taken down and rebuilt, the chancel lengthened eastward by a few feet and insertion of very modern east window; the walls were chiselled at the same time. The roof was rebuilt. Prior to this, the roof had been of lower pitch, corresponding with the Lady Chapel.
The Nave
The gallery at the west end was removed. The old barrel organ was removed and replaced with a small manual organ, until a harmonium was eventually purchased. A new Nave roof was built.
The font was moved from in front of the west door, to its current location in the south aisle.
The North and South Aisles
New roofs were built.
