New funding to rescue deteriorating historic churches

Thirteen of the churches being helped are on the Historic England ‘At Risk Register’.

Churches receiving grants from the National Churches Trust include:

• St Botolph, Boston Stump, in Boston, Lincolnshire towers over the fens as a landmark to sailors and pilots received a £40,000 to help fund urgent repairs to the tower roof and clock and to refurbish the kitchen.

• St James’ church in Burton Lazars, Leicestershire contains the grave of the Zborowski family, whose racing cars were the inspiration for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, received £10,000 to install a toilet, kitchen and meeting room.

• St Mary de Castro, Leicester, where King Richard III worshipped, received £30,000 to help fund urgent repairs to the roof and drains, to replace the floor and to install underfloor heating.

Huw Edwards, Vice President of The National Churches Trust said: “At the heart of communities in cities, towns and villages, churches are a treasure trove of architecture, history and faith.

“I’m delighted that the future of 93 churches and chapels in England, Scotland and Wales is being safeguarded. What a great Christmas present!”