A PEBWORTH church has received a financial boost from the government’s £1.57billion Culture Recovery Fund to help fund repairs during the coronavirus pandemic.
St Peter’s Church has been awarded £25,000 for essential roofing work to stop rain from seeping into the interior of the chancel. Frost had broken up tiles and damaged the weatherings against the gable walls.
The interior wetness resulting, was spoiling the medieval plaster. The grant comes at a necessary time because, if left much longer, the deterioration of this much-loved church would become even worse.
The church is high on the hill and dates from the C12, since when it has continually held services in the heart of the village. The walls are Early English masonry, and the chancel roof has clay tiles with a plastered barrel vault interior.
As well as rescuing precious heritage buildings in need, the injection of cash will protect livelihoods for some of the most vulnerable heritage specialists and contractors working in the sector.
St Peter’s Church has played an important role in the community for centuries. The Grade 1 listed building has a unique design, with recently revealed frescos and a Lady Chapel alongside the nave. The church holds weekly services and is used for community celebrations and cultural events.
Rev Scott Watts, vicar of St Peter’s said “We are so pleased to receive this funding which will keep our regularly used village church open for our Sunday services, baptisms, weddings, funerals and cultural events.
“The grant will ensure the preservation of this historically prominent building heading this lively community for generations to come”.
