St John's church Kenilworth featured in a London newspaper when building work began more than 150 years ago.

The Illustrated London News carried a sketch of the proposed church in its September 20 edition, 1851. Manor Road resident Joanna Illingworth recently bought a copy. An article described the laying of its foundation stone as a major "village" event.

It reads: "The Abbey street and the whole line of road to the site of the new church, at the end of the village, towards Warwick, was more or less adorned with banners, flowers and evergreens. The entrance to the site was also adorned with banners and flowers; and a raised platform for the visitors and the school children was graced at the back with a banner on which the crown was emblazoned, with a loyal motto."

Members of the public paraded to the site, where a service was held. The officiating minister, The Rev E Wilmot, was praised for kick-starting the project and a stone was laid. Lord Leigh of Stoneleigh Abbey was present.

Further details in the article show how much the value of money has changed since the 19th century:

"The cost of the land is £350. The church is to be built in the early English style, with a tower and spire at a cost of £2,500. A collection was made on the ground, which amounted to £96."