The Bryceson Organ
We are very fortunate in Godmanchester as our Parish Church possesses a fine organ of significant historical importance. Over the years it has regrettably suffered some neglect, probably due partly to lack of funds and partly to lack of sound professional advice. However, the opportunity has now been taken to undertake a comprehensive restoration. This hasn't only remedied the ravages of time and corrected past mistakes, but has also provided some improvements made possible by modern technology; technology which wasn't available to the original Victorian builders.
The 2-manual organ was built by Messrs Bryceson of London in 1859. It can be seen as a tribute to the quality of the original craftsmanship that no major work was carried out on the organ for 117 years. In 1976 it became necessary to carry out a modest programme of cleaning and overhaul. This restoration helped to keep the organ going for a further decade or so. But it soon became apparent that the more deep-seated problems needed to be addressed.
It was decided to carry out a major restoration of the whole organ, rather than tackle the problems in a piecemeal fashion. This would mean that the organ could continue to serve the parish faithfully until at least the middle of this century without further major expense.
This major restoration was undertaken in 1994 and cost in the region of £70,000. There were a lot of fund-raising activities, undertaken by many different individuals and groups, needed to raise this large amount of money. The many activities included things like, Barn Dances, Bazaars, Cheese and Wine evenings, and many others too numerous to name here. We are also very grateful to the many people that donated money as well.
The result of all of this work is a tremendous musical instrument that the Church can be justly proud of.
For a more detailed technical specification please visit the
National Pipe Organ Register pages HERE
Search the index for A00891 and D03003
We believe that the Parish Church of Saint Mary the Virgin, Godmanchester, exists to build up the individual and corporate spiritual life of our Church and to spread the love of Christ through word and deed, by enabling those who live and work within our town to come into contact with God’s love and come to faith in Christ.