For questions related to St Peter’s Church Ropley or the fire, and not answered here, please email info@ropleybenefice.church
One of the first people into the building was a forensic officer. Unfortunately he was unable to reach a definitive conclusion on the cause of the fire, and stated this in his report, “due to the severe and extensive nature of the damage, there was no remaining physical evidence to assist in determining precisely where the fire originated within the church or its cause”.
The area immediately surrounding the church remains dangerous and is surrounded by a security fence. The majority of the churchyard is open and can be visited at any time. Please keep children under close supervision and away from the security fencing.
Certain historical items of silverware, because of their high value, were secured in a bank vault and are safe.
Duplicate wedding records are lodged by the church with the Registrar of Marriages.
There is provision to rebuild the records from other sources outside of the destroyed church records.
There are complete records of the places of burial and cremated remains.
Both War Memorial tablets were damaged – one much worse than the other. There is effectively nothing remaining of the organ.
Yes. There is a complete record of the church contents.
The bells have been removed and taken to secure storage offsite. Two were significantly damaged by the heat and fire-fighting water – one of them will almost certainly have to be recast.
Unfortunately all of the kneelers were destroyed in the fire. There are, however, pictures of all of them. There has been enormous interest in making new kneelers for the Church. The original ones were designed by Rosemary Bray, & sewn by a wide range of parishioners to commemorate family or village events, and many people will want to contribute in some way to replace them. Royston has asked us to delay until we know how the Church will look when rebuilt or restored, as this will affect the design/numbers needed.
Please see this page ropleybenefice.church/donations/
For any questions relating to fundraising events, please contact Andy Bonner info@ropleybenefice.church
The church was covered by insurance and the Diocese is liaising closely with the insurers.
Now that structural surveys have been largely completed significant progress has been made by our appointed architects. A number of statutory bodies have to be consulted prior to any design decisions being finalised so it is not possible to speculate on a start date at this point.
Due to the extensive structural damage – much of which is not visible from outside the church – it has taken a significant time to determine how much of the remaining structure can be used. This work is ongoing.
Nothing can be taken from the site without the permission of the insurers.
Regular services are now held in Ropley Parish Hall – about 200 yards downhill from the Church. There is plenty of parking and facilities are good.