Culture Secretary Sajid Javid announced today that cathedrals across England will receive almost £5 million for urgent repairs in the first round of grants from the First World War Centenary Cathedral repair fund.
From Truro to Newcastle, 22 cathedrals across England will now be able to fix leaking roofs, repair stained glass, and replace stonework after being awarded grants from the First World War Centenary Cathedral Repairs Fund.
The fund was announced in Budget 2014 and set up in April this year in recognition of the powerful symbol our cathedrals are of Britain’s shared history as well as the significant role they will play when the nation comes together to commemorate the centenary of the First World War.
Chair of the Patrimony Committee, Archbishop George Stack said: ”The announcement of grants for urgent repairs to our Cathedrals as we commemorate the First World War is an important reminder of the place of our Cathedrals in the national memory and life. The grants come at a time when raising funds for essential repairs is particularly challenging. Repairs to roofs and stonework, efficient heating and lighting as well conforming to health and safety legislation may not appear very glamorous to many people. They are essential, however, to enable our Cathedrals to fulfil their purpose. This initiative by the Chancellor of the Exchequer provides a fitting and practical means whereby Cathedrals can maintain a dignified and safe environment in which this year’s anniversary, and many others, may continue to take place.”
Visiting Gloucester Cathedral, Culture Secretary Sajid Javid said:
“We are ensuring these magnificent buildings are preserved for future generations so they continue to serve their communities and congregations.
“This fund is just one part of the Government’s preparations to ensure the UK is ready to remember and mark the heroic sacrifice so many made a century ago.”
Sir Paul Ruddock, Chair of the First World War Centenary Cathedral Repairs Fund expert panel and Chairman of the Victoria & Albert Museum, said:
“Spanning over 1000 years of architectural history and housing many treasures, English cathedrals are a hugely important part of England’s heritage. I am delighted we are able to award grants to 22 cathedrals in the first round from the Government’s World War One Centenary Cathedral Repairs Fund.”
The £20 million Cathedral Repairs Fund was announced by the Chancellor in the Budget 2014. Grants will allow cathedrals to undertake urgent repair work, including keeping the building wind-proof, weather-tight, safe and open to the public, and preventing further deterioration of the building.
This was the first round of funding allocations and will be followed by two more. The next round will close in September 2014 with the final round closing in January 2015.
1. Cathedrals can apply via an online application form available here.
2. Details of the cathedral grants for July 2014
Cathedral
Funding
Project
Bradford
£190,000
High level repairs to the roofs and timberwork
Carlisle
£195,000
Conservation and repair of masonry to the South Porch
Chichester
£140,000
Replace the North West Tower lead roof, which is home to the Sailor’s Chapel that remembers those lost at sea and have no known grave. It contains artefacts from both World Wars.
Coventry
£100,000
To complete urgent stabilisation and repair work.
Derby
£535,000
Essential works to provide emergency and adequate lighting.
Exeter
£60,000
Essential remedial work on the Medieval origin steeply pitched high roofs as sections have collapsed and broken away.
Gloucester
£233,500
Conservation work on masonry and glass in the 15th century Lady Chapel.
Hereford
£200,000
Replace the sound system.
Leicester
£140,000
Remediation work on stone, windows and glass.
Lincoln
£395,000
Conservation and restoration work of masonry on the West Front NW Turret.
Liverpool
£100,000
Repairs to the first bays of the nave aisles and the Welsford and Rankin Porches.
Newcastle St. Mary’s
£185,000
Replacing defective external stonework.
Northampton
£35,000
Removal and repair stained glass windows.
Peterborough
£14,500
Three windows to be re-leaded to ensure they are weather-proof.
Rochester
£200,000
Repair pre-Reformation Library, the vestry roof and related external works.
Salisbury
£485,000
External repair and conservation.
Southwark
£325,000
Replace asphalt gutters with lead linings to ensure it is water-tight and replace the lead covering to the south facing slope of the nave.
Southwark St. George’s
£385,000
Renewal of 1980s gas boilers and electrical intake to end frequent power and energy failures.
St. Albans
£438,000
Repairs to the west front and its main entrance as well as to medieval stonework on the west porches.
Truro
£50,000
Repair storm damage from February this year.
Westminster
£290,000
Re-cover the asphalt roof of the nave.
Worcester
£80,000
Repairs and weatherproofing to the ceiling of the Cathedral Library.
