Rediscovering and Restoring the Derby Family Crypt at St Mary’s, Knowsley

What began as instructed works to improve accessibility at St Mary’s Church turned into a truly extraordinary project for the Frank Rogers team.
While providing level access and renewing the church floor, our team uncovered a sealed access hatch that led to the long-forgotten Derby family crypt — a space untouched for generations.

With care and sensitivity, we:

-Installed a secure new hatch and handrails for safe access.
-Added heritage lighting with copper conduit.
-Jet-washed and resealed the external crypt entrance.
-Rodded and jetted the gullet to ensure long-term protection.

All alongside our original scope of works: level floor build-ups (timber suspended and solid concrete), relocating the font,  installing new oak doors, and reusing pew timber to craft new furnishings.
This project has been about more than construction - it has been about preserving heritage while improving accessibility and  functionality.
We will be unveiling more about this remarkable project in due course.