New installation lights the way for pilgrims

Lastingham in North Yorkshire has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries, its church having been founded by St Cedd of Lindisfarne as a monastery in AD 654. Following his death, 10 years later, he was buried beside the altar of the original church.

The founding of St Mary’s was described by the Venerable Bede and some of the decoratively carved Lastingham Stones date from the 8th century. 

Beneath the church is possibly the most remarkable crypt in Britain. It is certainly the most complete and the only one that has its own nave, apse and side aisles.

Originally, the light in the crypt came primarily from candles or ‘tea lights’ placed on a temporary basis on top of the pillar bases, capitals, altar and altar rail. However, in 2011 the PCC and the Friends of Lastingham Church embarked on a project to upgrade the interior and install a new lighting system. Specialist church lighting designers Lighting Dynamics UK, worked with York-based architect Peter Gaze Pace to produce a new lighting scheme for the crypt.

The brief was to devise a “…totally new lighting design and installation that would enhance the architectural features of this magnificent and unique Grade One-listed structure, whilst also providing illumination for the various liturgical services and numerous daily visitors”.

The crypt has an extremely low roof line and a damp environment, especially during winter months, so careful consideration had to be given to the selection of the most appropriate lighting equipment and light sources. Other major factors were the restricted spaces where luminaires could be placed and the likely problem of heat, as generally all the luminaires would be within easy reach of visitors. The Diocese also placed severe restrictions on cable routes and required minimal disruption to the floor sections.

The project team came to the conclusion that miniature MR 16-style, exterior grade luminaires, rated to IP 67, were the most appropriate choice – mounted in concealed positions where possible. The luminaires were supplied in a bespoke, RAL colour finish to blend in with the interior of the existing stonework.

The latest generation of low-energy, high output MR 16-style LED light sources was specified throughout, with an overall colour temperature appropriate for the interior. In addition, special colour filters were introduced to add further accent to the colour tone. High-quality dimmable remote drivers were housed in a specially designed IP-rated enclosure. This protected cabinet is located in a side area in the crypt.

All of the lighting is operated via a unique wireless dimming/scene-setting system with selection via either a wall-mounted keypad or a hand-held controller. A variety of pre-programmed scene selections are available for the various lighting tasks, providing maximum flexibility. Electrical installation was completed by A J Electrics (Coleshill) Ltd.

The result is a pleasingly illuminated crypt providing an uncluttered environment. The lighting has been installed with minimal disruption or interference to the fabric of this ancient building, requiring minimal on-going maintenance.

For further information visit www.lighting-dynamics.co.uk or see us at CRE Manchester stand number A2