The Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard 19 July 1862 

ST. MARY'S CHURCH.  -  The restoration of the ancient and interesting little church of Cricklade St. Mary, to which we have already referred, is being pursued with praiseworthy zeal. We have lately inspected the church, and have been much pleased with the progress which is being made. The unsightly galleries which formerly proved such an eyesore to all lovers of good taste, and which were as injurious to the pillars upon which they rested, as they were offensive to the eye, have been removed, although by this truly necessary, and desirable improvement, it has been rendered impossible to obtain the aid either of the Church Building or of the Diocesan Society, on account of the diminished accommodation, a diminution which is not altogether compensated for by the increased accommodation in the body of the Church. It is truly a subject for much regret that a too strict "red tapism," should have prevented these Societies from aiding a parish, which on account of its extreme poverty, and also of the antiquity, as well as ruinous condition of its church, stands in such urgent need of assistance. This is the more to be regretted, inasmuch as even now the Church will be capable of containing, every one of the adult parishioners, churchmen and dissenters alike, and 100 of the children. It is well that a few private individuals have been found to supply, to some extent, the lack of service of these public charities, and we sincerely trust that many more may be induced to follow their example, so that the Church may be properly restored. All the beautiful oak carving round the wall, as well as the elegant arches are to be cleaned and repaired; the walls are being rebuilt, in some cases from the very foundation; new roofs put to the aisles and chancel, and the handsome oak roof of the nave is thrown open and being thoroughly restored. A new porch is to be made after the model of the old one, and in addition to all that is required for the strength and security' of the church, everything is to be done to add to its beauty and interest for which the necessary funds can be obtained. The straggling and unsightly pews which formerly disfigured the church have all been removed, and are to be replaced by others more in accordance with the present improved taste. We regret however to find that as yet no place has been provided as a vestry for the clergyman, on account of want of funds, although a plan has been given by which at an expense of about 20l the Lady Chapel, now almost useless, might be converted by means of a handscreen, into a suitable robing room. The inconvenience to the minister, not to mention any other reason, in his being compelled to robe himself, within the communion rails, and in the sight of the congregation, induces us to hope that funds may be forthcoming for this special purpose.