Brick by Brick: Building the Future at St Mary’s

Who would have thought it would take 20,000 bricks to lay the final floor layer at St Mary’s?

But this is no ordinary job. With six different brick heights and a mixture of new hand-made bricks alongside centuries-old originals, every single piece needs careful attention. Each brick is measured, scribed, and fitted precisely to ensure the floor is perfectly level around the historic columns and ledger stones.

It’s painstaking work that showcases the skill and craftsmanship of the brick layers, who combine patience with precision day after day. And while progress may feel slow at times, every brick laid is another step towards the moment we can finally reopen this magnificent building and welcome the community back inside.