The Church of All Hallows in Whitchurch stands on one of the country’s oldest sites of continuous Christian worship dating back to Saxon times.
A rare Saxon grave monument is preserved inside the church and other Saxon graves were discovered 100 metres west of the building further affirming the site’s ancient significance.
In early 2023, Clarity was invited to convert the church chancel lighting to LED while preserving the building’s character and integrity. Following detailed consultations, careful refinement of the specification and funding being agreed, the transformation took place in 2025.
Given the age of the existing power infrastructure, entirely new cabling was discretely installed to ensure reliability for decades to come. Lighting fixtures were mounted high along the roofline to minimise their visibility. Each fitting is individually dimmable and available in white or black, allowing it to blend seamlessly with its architectural surroundings. Carefully positioned spotlights now illuminate the reredos behind the altar, drawing gentle attention to its detail and craftsmanship without overwhelming the sacred space.
At the heart of the system is a wall-mounted glass-fronted 8-inch touch control panel, programmed by Clarity to give the church effortless command over its environment. A suite of bespoke lighting “scenes” was created, enabling seamless transitions — from quiet reflection to vibrant celebration — all at the touch of a button. Another huge benefit is the 90% energy reduction that LED gives.
The result is a thoughtful balance of heritage and innovation: a thousand years of history, now seen in its best possible light.
Clarity is always delighted to leave behind a happy customer and congregation.
“On behalf of the PCC and congregation of All Hallows I would like to express our grateful thanks for the excellent installation of the chancel lights. The team worked long hours with good humour in the face of awkward pews and a very high arch. When they left on the Friday and when they finished the following week, they left the church spotless. The choir are particularly pleased to be able to see their music once again!”Andrew Hobley, PCC Secretary
