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Cathedrals secure 拢8million for repairs as part of First World War Centenary Fund

Second round of grants from the First World War (FWW) Centenary Cathedral Repair Fund announced by Culture Secretary Sajid Javid

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government
Exeter Cathedral

Exeter Cathedral Pic Credit: Hugh Llewelyn

Cathedrals across England will receive over 拢8million for urgent repairs. From Arundel to York, 31 cathedrals across England will now be able to fix leaking roofs, repair stained glass windows and spires, and carry out many other important works, making the total number of cathedrals receiving funding through the programme 41.

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鈥檚 shared history, as well as the significant role they will play throughout the commemorations of the centenary of the First World War.

Visiting Portsmouth Cathedral which is to receive nearly 拢600,000, Culture Secretary Sajid Javid, who also leads the Government鈥檚 FWW Centenary programme, said:

Our heritage in this country is precious and unique. We need to do all we can to protect it for future generations. This second round of grants will ensure that even more of our magnificent and awe-inspiring cathedrals can complete urgent and much needed repairs, so they can continue to play a huge role in the communities they serve.

Our places of worship are also playing a huge part in all our plans to commemorate the centenary of the First World War, and this Fund is helping to ensure they can fulfil this role to remember those who gave so much for us so many years ago.

Rt Honourable George Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer said:

Many Britons will have visited a cathedral this summer to attend a remembrance service marking the Great War, and this 拢8m grant, part of 拢20m I announced at the last Budget, will ensure that these beautiful and historic buildings remain much loved places of worship and remembrance for another century to come. Our great cathedrals are the envy of the world, bringing many tourists to the cities of UK, so this investment is also great value for taxpayers.

Sir Paul Ruddock, Chair of the First World War Centenary Cathedral Repairs Fund expert panel and Chairman of the Victoria & Albert Museum, said:

The appeal of cathedrals is vast and enduring. Every part of English history can be seen somewhere within their walls, and I am delighted that this second round of grant is providing vital support to keep them open for all to enjoy.

The 拢20million 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 second round of funding allocations and will be followed by one more. The final round will close in January 2015.

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Background

*Cathedrals can apply via an online application form available

*Details of the cathedral grants for October 2014

North East

Newcastle CofE 拢155,572 Repairs to library roof

North West

Blackburn CofE 拢314,251 High level repairs

Manchester CofE 拢225,000 Roof replacement/reinstatement

Liverpool Anglican CofE 拢275,000 Repairs to Lady Chapel and nave roof

Lancaster RC 拢15,000 Replacement electrical distribution board

Chester CofE 拢300,000 High level works and emergency lighting

South East

Portsmouth CofE 拢594,783 Repairs to tower and south transcript

Arundel RC 拢200,000 Repairs to South side windows

Canterbury CofE 拢150,000 Repairs to north West

Chichester CofE 拢100,000 Replacing roof to south-east transcript

Rochester CofE 拢153,000 Repairs to roof

East of England

Chelmsford CofE 拢268,622 Repairs to tower

Peterborough CofE 拢88,433 Repairs to Old Baptistry Gable

Norwich CofE 拢491,000 Works to north clerestory & presbytery

Ely CofE 拢392,060 Repairs to south transept

West Midlands

Birmingham, St Chads RC 拢227,000 High level repairs

Hereford CofE 拢300,000 Repairs to roof

Worcester CofE 拢250,316 Repairs to east window

East Midlands

Coventry CofE 拢216,265 Repairs to Crypts

Lincoln CofE 拢300,000 Repairs to NW transept triforium roof

South West

Bristol CofE 拢184,000 Replacement boilers

Clifton (Bristol) RC 拢600,000 Roof repairs

Exeter CofE 拢277,547 Repairs to chapel of St Andrew & St Catherine

Wells CofE 拢160,000 Repairs to north nave aisle roof

Truro CofE 拢500,000 Repairs to nave and nave aisle roof

London

Southwark St. George鈥檚 RC 拢167,000 Repairs to parapets

Yorkshire and Humber

Ripon CofE 拢354,617 Repairs to north transept and east elevation

Sheffield, St Marie RC 拢270,528 Repairs to spire

Wakefield CofE 拢220,000 Repairs to lead roof of quire and nave

York Minster CofE 拢200,000 Repairs to Camera Cantorum stonework and roof

Bradford CofE 拢349,479 Repairs to state gate

*A total of 37 applications were received for this round of funding.

Updates to this page

Published 27 October 2014