£1.25M Funding Boost to Protect Historic UK Places of Worship

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has allocated £1.25 million ($1.57 million) to safeguard eight historic places of worship across the UK. This funding aims to preserve these architectural landmarks while enhancing their roles as cultural and community hubs.

The grants support a range of projects, including structural restoration, efficiency upgrades, and community engagement initiatives. Among the key recipients is the “Discover Jesmond 1888” project in Newcastle upon Tyne, which received £163,600 to connect the United Reformed Church and St George’s Church through a heritage trail and events. Both churches house rare Lewis and Company pipe organs.

In Bulmer, St Martin’s Church has been awarded £248,504 to improve the thermal efficiency of its 14th-century tower and expand community access. The Greek Orthodox Church of St Basil and St Paisios in Lincoln secured £51,763 for urgent structural surveys of its Grade II listed building.

Other notable allocations include:

• £380,389 for St George the Martyr Parish Church in Holborn
• £198,250 for Lochwinnoch Church in Renfrewshire
• Grants ranging from £30,804 to £138,169 for All Saints Church in Helmsley, Holt Methodist Church, and St John the Baptist Church in Nash.

Over the next three years, the National Lottery Heritage Fund plans to invest approximately £100 million in preserving religious buildings across the UK.

Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, stated:
“Places of worship are some of the UK’s most cherished historic buildings and many play a key role as a gateway to our heritage and communities. Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, these eight fantastic projects will take vital steps towards securing a brighter and more sustainable future for places of worship and reimagine how they can connect with and benefit their communities.”

This investment highlights the dual importance of preserving historic architecture and fostering community connections. With ongoing support, these projects will ensure that places of worship remain vibrant, accessible, and culturally significant for future generations.