Just one in five think cathedrals and churches should be protected for future generations

However, the ComRes poll found that’s a higher proportion than royal palaces and country houses but lower than castles.

Eddie Tulasiewicz from the National Churches Trust, which commissioned the survey, told Premier there was a simple explanation to explain why places of worship ranked below castles.

He said: “That’s probably because it’s all to do with blood adventure.

“Young children probably like going there but churches have a bit of blood and adventure as well. If you go to a Roman Catholic Church, there might be bones of martyrs.”

 
 
Out of ten key types of historic buildings, 34 per cent of adults said castles should be protected for future generations, while 24 per cent believed the same should be said regarding cathedrals and churches.

Claire Walker, Chief Executive of the National Churches Trust, said: “At the heart of communities in cities, towns and villages, cathedrals and churches are a treasure trove of architecture, history and faith.

“As we approach the 2017 Budget, I hope that the fact that the public think that it is important to protect church buildings for the future will provide the Chancellor with the evidence he needs to provide further funding, such as the Listed Places of Worship Roof Repair Fund, to protect churches for future generations.”

Listen to Eddie Tulasiewicz speaking with Premier’s Eno Adeogun.