VISITORS to Great St Mary’s in Sawbridgeworth are spoilt for choice when it comes to stunning wall memorials. One that stands out is Viscount George Hewyt’s memorial, a remarkable sculptured piece in marble, made after he died in 1689 reports StAlbansDiocese

Last year it was decided that George needed to be cleaned and conserved! The Friends of Great St Mary’s took up the challenge and have overseen the whole project.

Skillington Workshop was appointed as the conservator and the work was carried out in January and February this year at a cost of £21,575 (plus £4,315 VAT); the Friends contributed £16,575 and a conservation grant of £5,000 was received from ChurchCare (supported by the Pilgrims Trust); the Government’s Listed Places of Worship scheme refunded the VAT of £4,315 VAT.

The work was carried out by Emma Teale and Theo Gayer Anderson under the overall supervision of David Carrington.