St Mary's, Berkeley
Sir George Gilbert Scott undertook a restoration here between 1865-6 which included work on the roof, re-pewing and work on the wall paintings, using Clayton and Bell. Scott also probably designed a large thirteenth century style window in the chancel. The total cost of the work was £5,000, paid mainly by Lord Fitzhardinge. Many layers of whitewash and plaster were removed from the walls. James Cooke, writing soon after 1871 says: ‘They are exact reproductions of the original decorations of the 13th century, remains of which were found in all parts of the church when the repeated coats of whitewash and plaster were removed during the restoration in 1865. It is the opinion of competent judges that they form part of the original design of the building, many parts of which appear to have been left purposely bare of architectural ornament, in order that the want might be supplied in this manner. For this purpose they are most effective; the long straight lines of pattern fill up what would otherwise be blank spaces of wall, and enhance the perspective effect, while the richness and warmth of the colouring are most grateful to the eye after the cold whitewash to which the present generation has so long been accustomed…’
