Over £15.7 million was handed out last month to the churches under the Repair Grants for Places of Worship scheme. It allows for various medieval churches to conduct necessary repairs that their congregations cannot afford.
The nine churches to receive grants in Lincolnshire include the Church of St Andrew in Halton, which has been offered £52,000. The large, rural church dates back to the 14th century and there is a very fine internal ceiling to the chancel and angels affixed to corbel brackets in the nave. The grant will be used towards urgent repairs to the tower masonry, the tower lead roof covering and gutters as well as some timber repairs.
The Church of St Helena in Willoughby, which dates back to the 14th century, has been offered £111,000 for repairs to the nave and south aisle lead roof coverings, timber repairs and a comprehensive programme of repairs / replacement of the drains.
The large 13th century Church of St Mary in Horncastle aslo has been offered £18,000 for urgent repairs to the roof, which is leaking into the Lady Chapel, as well as gutter work and repairs to the parapet stonework.
Other churches on the list include:
Church of All Saints in Nocton, £96,000
Church of All Saints in Beckingham, £118,000
Church of St Mary and St Peter in Harlaxton, £142,000
Church of St Michael and All Angels in Langtoft, £50,000
Church of St Mary in Stow, £99,000
Church of St Peter and St Paul in Cherry Willingham, £70,000
Dr. Anthony Streeten, Regional Director English Heritage said: “We are delighted to be able to help twenty places of worship in the East Midlands through this important grant scheme. Historic places of worship are at the heart of their communities. They give us beautiful spaces where people can find peace or companionship. Increasingly, these fine buildings are places in which to enjoy exhibitions and concerts or where local communities can even benefit from practical services such as post offices, shops, nurseries. These grants will reinforce the magnificent voluntary effort in helping to preserve and protect this wonderful part of our heritage for present and future generations to enjoy.”
Acting Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in the East Midlands, Des Gallagher added, “The East Midlands is home to some of the country's most important and precious places of worship but sustaining them is always a big challenge. All the places funded today are at the heart of local communities, and by awarding these grants, the Heritage Lottery Fund and English Heritage can provide the much-needed investment and support to ensure these wonderful buildings are safeguarded for the future.”
Click here to see our earlier article: £15.7 million given out to repair 154 churches in England
Source: News Distribution Service
