News by email Donate

Suggestions

St-Mary-Woolnoth-Church-main_article_image.jpg
Hornbeam Arts/Historic England/PA Wire
UK News

Churches at risk identified by Historic England

The register lists more than five thousand places of historic significance that are at risk because of neglect or overdevelopment.

Churches now on the list include the church where William Wilberforce worshipped and met with others to plan the anti-slavery campaign.

The rector of St Mary Woolnoth Church in London at the time was John Newton, the author of Amazing Grace.

The church has been flagged by Historic England due to damage to it's roof and cracks in it's tower.

It was built at the beginning of the 18th century and designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor after the Great Fire of London.

Hornbeam Arts/Historic England/PA Wire

Jeremy Crossley is the vicar at the church and told Premier about his mixed feelings at appearing on the list: "I'm relieved that it's been recognised as an important building but in need of help.

"But also anxious because, ever since I became the vicar three or four years ago, I've been aware of the problems and we've been raising money and trying to do something each year to deal with all that's needed to be done."

The church needs just over £2million worth of restoration to be completed on the building.

Reverend Crossley added: "There's some quite fundamental work that needs to be done, as well as some restoration of the interior to the original Hawksmoor design so it will be not only safe and secure for future generations but will also reflect the original vision of the building which is particularly relevant to contemporary worship here in the city of London".

Buildings included on the Heritage at Risk Register may be seeking grants for essential repairs.

Some of these will be available from Historic England, the Heritage Lottery Fund and Natural England, but Duncan Wilson, the chief executive of Historic England, said there is "a significant challenge in saving these sites for future generations".

One the biggest medieval parish churches in England, the Grade I listed Holy Trinity Church in Hull, is among other sites included on the list.

Dan Golding

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate