The Rood Screen is the screen of richly carved wood with imposing crucifix and figures separating the nave from the chancel of the Abbey Church.  

A carefully selected professional conservator, Bainbridge Conservation, began work towards the end of March 2021 and has cleaned and re-gilded the whole structure. Going forward, existing cracks in the woodwork will be monitored. 

To pay for the conservation and monitoring of the Rood Screen plus any further repair works needed, we are incredibly grateful and blessed to have received a grant from The St Mary's Priory Fernham Residual Fund and also two legacies and a number of donations, which we were touched to receive.

The costs of this project are high and we are still welcoming donations and legacies; please see our website for how to donate to the Rood Screen Conservation Fundraising Appeal. 

The Rood Screen works come with the approval from and oversight by the Historic Churches Committee. This is the first time that the visually striking centrepiece is being conserved after first being put in place 130 years ago when the Abbey Church and monastery were built in 1892.

Donations are also welcome for the re-installation of a Victorian Confessional in the Abbey Church and a new disabled access chair lift to the Abbey Church, both of which are scheduled to take place soon.

Rt Rev Dom Paulinus Greenwood OSB, Abbot of St Augustine's Abbey, Chilworth says:

"The work we are carrying out on the magnificent and imposing Rood Screen in the Abbey Church is a clear indication of this Benedictine community's commitment and determination to conserve the Abbey for both existing and future generations. We are also carrying out other works and we are more than grateful to those who have already given money or remembered us in their Will. 

"Maintaining the fabric of our buildings in good order is a constant challenge, and there are a number of different projects currently underway and planned. Since our arrival here at Chilworth 10 years ago, it has always been our intention to act as responsible custodians, and to ensure that the Abbey Church and monastery continue to prosper. If you are able to help us in any way, we shall be most grateful." 

Conservation photos courtesy Bainbridge Conservation