Vital cash injection to fix church masonry
IT WILL SECURE LOOSE AND OLD STONEWORK ON ROOF PARAPETS AND NORTH SIDE OF BUILDING
A CHURCH in North West Leicestershire has received a Government grant towards essential masonry work.
The £10,400 awarded to St Laurence Church in Measham has come from the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund.
It will help secure loose and old stonework on the roof parapets and north side of the early 14th century building.
The grant comes at a crucial point because, if left much longer, a pinnacle and other stonework would have reached a dangerous state.
Grants are being allocated to heritage sites such as St. Laurence’s o cover urgently needed maintenance and repairs. This funding comes from a part of the Culture Recovery Fund called the Heritage Stimulus Fund and is administered on behalf of the Government by Historic England.
As well as rescuing precious heritage buildings in need, the injection of cash will protect livelihoods for some of the most vulnerable heritage specialists and contractors working in the sector.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden, said: “These grants will help the places that have shaped our skylines for hundreds of years and that continue to define culture in our towns and cities. We’re protecting heritage and culture in every corner of the country to save jobs and ensure it’s there for future generations to enjoy.”
St Laurence Church has played an important role in the community for over 700 years since its opening in the early 1300s. The Grade 2* listed building has a traditional design, although no chancel, with beautiful medieval, Victorian and modern stained-glass windows and an imposing tower. As well as normal church services, it is also used for many community and civic services. In “normal” times, the church is open to visitors every day. A facility within the building enables visitors to access heritage information through a mobile phone or tablet. Brian Abraham, churchwarden of St. Laurence Church, said: “We are delighted to receive this funding from the Culture Recovery Fund. It will make a significant difference to the work we need to carry out to St.laurence’s, so that the church can continue to play its part in the life of our community.”
Duncan Wilson, Historic England chief executive, said: “Historic places across the country are being supported by the Government’s grants awarded under the Culture Recovery Fund. This funding is a lifeline which is kickstarting essential repairs and maintenance at many of our most precious historic sites, so they can begin to recover from the damaging effects of Covid-19.
“It is also providing employment for skilled craft workers who help keep historic places alive and the wheels of the heritage sector turning. Our shared heritage is an anchor for us all in these challenging times and this funding will help to ensure it remains part of our collective future.”
These grants will help the places that have shaped our skylines for hundreds of years.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden