25-04-2025 · 6 min read
Restoring the Heraldic Shields: Art and History at the Top of the Tower
Among the most visually striking features of the St Mary's tower are the twelve painted heraldic shields positioned near the top of the structure. According to Historic England's guidance on making changes to places of worship, restoring decorative elements such as these requires specialist knowledge to ensure that both historical accuracy and material compatibility are maintained. At St Mary's, the shield restoration proved to be one of the most technically demanding and historically rewarding aspects of the entire project.
The shields bear the coats of arms of historic families and benefactors associated with the church and the town of Warwick. Positioned high on the tower where they catch the light, they were originally intended to be visible from the streets below, proclaiming the status and patronage of those they represented. Over three centuries, however, exposure to wind, rain, and pollution had faded the colours and eroded the painted surfaces to the point where the designs were barely discernible from ground level.
The Conservation Process
Restoring the shields required a combination of historical research, artistic skill, and materials science. Before any restoration work began, each shield was carefully documented and photographed at close range from the scaffolding. Paint samples were taken and analysed in a laboratory to identify the original pigments and binding media used in earlier decoration schemes.
This analysis revealed multiple layers of paint, indicating that the shields had been repainted several times over the centuries. Each layer represented a different period and, in some cases, different colour choices for the same heraldic charges. The conservation team, working with heraldic experts, determined which colour scheme most accurately represented the original 18th-century decoration and used this as the basis for the restoration.
The actual painting was carried out by specialist decorative painters experienced in working with traditional materials. Mineral pigments were selected for their durability and historical authenticity, and the binding media were chosen to be compatible with the stone substrate while providing long-lasting weather resistance. Each shield took several days to complete, with work pausing during wet or very cold conditions to ensure proper adhesion and curing of the paint layers.
The Heraldry Decoded
The twelve shields represent a cross-section of the families and institutions that shaped Warwick's history. Among them are the arms of the Beauchamp family, the Earls of Warwick whose chapel within the church is one of its most celebrated features. Other shields bear the arms of the town corporation, the diocese, and various noble families who held lands in Warwickshire during the period when the tower was rebuilt.
For historians and heraldry enthusiasts, the shields provide a visual record of the power structures and social networks that existed in early 18th-century Warwick. The decision to include specific arms on such a prominent feature of the town's skyline was not made lightly; each selection would have carried political and social significance at the time.
A Renewed Skyline
The completion of the shield restoration transformed the appearance of the upper tower. Where previously only weathered stone and faded traces of colour were visible, the shields now gleam with their original vibrant hues, catching the sunlight and drawing the eye upward just as their creators intended. From certain vantage points around the town, the restored shields are visible without binoculars, their bold colours providing a striking contrast against the warm tones of the stone.
The restoration of the shields, while a relatively small component of the overall project in terms of structural necessity, has proved to be one of the most publicly appreciated elements of the work. The shields connect the present-day community with the individuals and families who contributed to building the tower, creating a tangible link between Campaign 2023's supporters and those who made similar contributions over three centuries ago.