Cathedrals secure £5million for repairs
Sajid Javid announces cathedrals across England set to receive almost £5 million for urgent repairs in the first round of First World War Centenary Cathedral repair fund grants.
Gloucester Cathedral image by Jonathan Stonehouse on Flickr
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.
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 1,000 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 is the first round of funding allocations and will be followed by 2 more. The next round will close in September 2014 with the final round closing in January 2015.
Google map showing Cathedrals allocated funding across England
Further information
- Read the with funding allocations
- Cathedrals can apply online