Major renovations at an 11th century Cookham church are almost complete – with expectations that it will be open by at least early June - and the process has unearthed some unexpected pieces of history.

For the past five years, work has been ongoing to make some ‘much needed’ renovations to Holy Trinity Church in Cookham, a grade II* listed building.

The Holy Trinity team had to work hard to raise money for the project, as well as navigating getting permission from the Diocese of Oxford.

Within the Church of England, the diocese for each area holds responsibility to ensure any works on C of E property are appropriate and in keeping with the character of the church.

Since Holy Trinity Church is grade II* listed, this adds constraints on what can be done – and has presented some challenges, said church warden Mark Stockdale.

“It’s always going to be a balance between maintain historic fabric and the needs of the 21st century – and the needs in each century will always be different,” said Mark.