A LEDBURY architect is overseeing restoration works at the church which houses William Shakespeare’s cursed tomb.

Stainburn Taylor Architects and Historic Building Consultants were drafted in to inspect the Collegiate Church of The Holy Trinity in Stratford-upon-Avon as part of its required quinquennial (five-yearly) architectural report.

It was discovered that the church, which dates back to the 13th century, was in urgent need of short-term and long-term repair and restoration work.

Ian Stainburn, one of the firm’s directors, found that the tower structure had major cracks and many of the parapets had eroded, so a three-phase restoration project was put into action.

Mr Stainburn said: “We are now working on repairing and conserving the stones. They have lasted 400 years but they are being eroded and flaking because they are limestone and it is important to preserve the inscribings.

“But we will work around Shakepeare’s tomb and not disturb him.” The church is where Shakespeare was baptised, became a lay rector and was buried.

The stone on his tomb says: “Blessed be the man that spares these stones, And cursed be he who moves my bones.” It is thought the Bard penned the warning before his death in 1616 when it was not uncommon for churches to open up tombs and reuse them.

The project, now in its third stage, has already benefited from more than £800,000 worth of repairs but the Friends of Shakespeare’s Church still need to raise £4 million to complete the renovations. For more details go to www.shakespeareschurch.org.

The firm of architects, which has been established for 26 years, is also involved in renovations of the tomb of King Edward II at Gloucester Cathedral. The completed works will be unveiled in September.