 Henry Nicholson, rector from 1835 to 1866, was also active in repairing the Abbey Church — as far as he could, and in uncovering lost or neglected Gothic features.In 1856 repair efforts began again; £4,000 was raised and slow moves started to gain the Abbey the status of cathedral.George Gilbert Scott was appointed the project architect and oversaw a number of works from 1860 until his death in 1878.