The bells of St Wendreda’s church have not rung for almost two years after a piece of metal fell to the spire floor in 2023. Now, its vicar fears that the church, famous for its ‘heavenly host’ ceiling, could be put on an at-risk list unless £250,000 is raised to pay for its repairs.
Rev Ruth Clay discovered that metal bars in the spire of St Wendreda’s, Cambridgeshire, were corroding. Engineers estimate the damages and scaffolding needed will cost £250,000.
The church is unique – firstly in its stunning ceiling of carved angels, dating over 500 years. It is also the only church to be named after St Wendreda, an Anglo-Saxon nun. Thought to be the daughter of King Anna of the East Angles, Wendreda used her knowledge of herbs to help heal sick people and animals.
Rev Clay told BBC News: “The problem needs to be fixed. There is a potential for further damage to the spire and, who knows, the spire toppling."
“The church could be put on an at-risk register for the long-term.”
The church’s architecture is regarded as some of the finest remaining timberwork in Britain.
According to Cambridgeshire Fens, some of the carved angels depict martyrs and saints, with figures on the lower tiers holding medieval musical instruments. The church’s roof is decorated with 2700 fleur-de-lis.
Worshippers are believed to have gathered at the site of the church for over 1000 years.
“It is a beautifully, beautifully crafted wooded ceiling," said Rev Clay.
"When you look up you are surrounded by the host of heaven for your worship.