Jeoffry,
It is not something that had crossed my mind either. Extract from a book I happen to be reading at the moment.
'There have been at least three churches on this site. The first known church is shown on an ancient map of Warwickshire. The church built by the De Bermingham family survived virtually unchanged until 1690. By this time the soft sandstone, which had been used in the construction of the church, had deteriorated badly. To remedy this the tower and the outside of the church were encased in red brick. By 1872 the church was in a ruinous state. The rector, Dr. Williamson, launched an appeal for funds, and with only half of the £32,000.00 needed, work on the demolition of the old church began.'
Ann