Church faces £30,000 bill after thieves steal lead for second time
Fundraising already under way as church faces big repair bill
LEAD thieves have targeted an ancient church in Barwell for the second time in three years.
The Grade 1 listed St Mary’s Church is facing a £30,000 bill to replace tiles that have been stolen from the south nave and to install an alarm system.
The Anglican place of worship only has insurance to cover £7,500 of the damage, with Friends of Barwell Church working to raise funds for the repairs.
The George Ward Trust has stepped in since the theft to ensure the building is watertight.
Thieves stole two thirds of the metal from the south nave.
Parishioners are due to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the church building next year and they hope to get the roof fixed in time for the celebrations.
The history of St Mary’s dates back to 1043, when Earl Leofric and his wife, Lady Godiva, established a Benedictine abbey at Coventry and gave the abbot and the twenty four monks lands for their upkeep.
Barwelle, as it was known then, along with nineteen other villages, passed into the hands of the abbot.
Philip Watson, rector at the church, said: “As we look back over history, though there have been hard times, such as now.
“There have also been many good times and we have much to be thankful for, particularly in the support of our congregation and local community.
“If anyone feels able to assist in our fundraising to ensure our church can stand the rigours of the weather and time for many more years we would be very appreciative of any help that can be offered.”
In 2016, thieves stole lead from the chancel roof, with the tiles replaced with stainless steel to avoid further loss and damage to the interior.
If you would like to contribute to the fundraising, cheques should be made payable to BARWELL PCC and sent to Rev. P. Watson, The Rectory, 14 Church Lane, Barwell, LE9 8DG.