Open Plan

"Following detailed consideration by English Heritage and the University of Portsmouth it has been concluded that, if a roof were to be provided (to the Nave), the rate of deterioration of the stone would probably be increased. Owing to its location, it is inevitable that the now exposed stonework will have absorbed considerable amounts of salt solution and, if it were enclosed, the trapped water would dry out causing the salt to crystallise on and under the surface of the stone resulting in accelerated deterioration. It is therefore not intended to replace the main roof so that the Nave will remain as a partial ruin as a memorial to all those service men who gave their lives for their country, in particular in the second world war when the church was damaged."

Done