After 450 hours of intense labour, three highly detailed carvings have been erected upon the roof of St Peters Church in Oundle. Local craftsman Richard McCrone designed and carved these exquisite four foot high sculptures with his team at St White Stone.

The sculptures are carved from a stone called Ancaster, which is an oolitic limestone mined in Lincolnshire two and a half miles from Ancaster. It is not as hard as many igneous rocks, but far more resilient than other sedimentary rocks.

When working on buildings such as this Grade 1 listed church, any work carried out to rigorous guidelines. St. Peters had a though renovation about eighteen years ago, including a resurfacing of the floor and other necessary work, but the work was met with some controversy when the Victorian pews were removed. However, the current work has only been met with praise and appreciation. The sculptures include a large white cross and two finials reflect the original stone carvings of the 13th century. McCrone undertook months of research in order to create these beautiful pieces
Resident of Oundle Oliver Marshall stated, ‘I admire this work of Richard McCrone, and the laborious process seems to have paid off as it brings an entirely new angle to St. Peter’s Church’. Mr. Marshall is not alone in his admiration. Many others have commented on the new addition to what was already a beautiful building.

The Reverend of St Peters Church said, ‘This is wonderful work. It is important for our generation to continue to beautify the church building for the benefit of the local community.” More work is planned in the near future if funds allow, with the focus now moving towards the west porch. Although raising the funds for a projects such as this can be a slow process, St Peters church raised half of the funds needed for the sculptures. The remaining half was donated by the Friends of St. Peters.

The Church already stands proud amidst the community with its 210 foot spire; the highest in Northamptonshire. Work of this quality can only add to its sterling reputation.