The project is being carried out on behalf of the Parochial Church Council, to restore the structural integrity of the building and preserve local village records housed within it. Local school children are already participating in this exciting project and learning about the heritage craft of thatching as the work is being carried out.

The Lych Gate building dates back to the early 1600s when it was originally part of a row of stone cottages, and survived the demolition of the rest of these buildings in the 1920’s. Restored in 1964 and bequeathed to the church, the grant has enabled the thatch to be repaired, preserving it for a further 25 years and protecting the valuable village records stored within.

Local school children have met the thatcher to learn about the crafts and skills that have passed through countless generations. The activities have been integrated into the academic curriculum and the children have collected samples for further projects to be carried out at school. A mentor has been appointed to lead on the design and production of information leaflets. With a planned open day in July set to coincide with a village festival, the public will also have the opportunity to observe these fascinating heritage skills as delivered by the thatcher.

Managing the project on behalf of the Parochial Church Council, Richard Shacklock, said: “The Lych Gate is a predominant feature of Long Compton and is seen and photographed by countless tourists who pass it on the road between Oxford and Stratford-on-Avon. The villagers are immensely proud of it and are delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has been able to help us preserve it.

Anne Jenkins, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund for the West Midlands, said: “We are delighted to have awarded this grant to Long Compton. It will ensure the continued preservation of the Lych Gate which has already survived the demolition of the row of cottages and still stands. The funding will preserve a valuable piece of the village heritage and the children involved have had a fantastic opportunity to learn and witness a heritage craft that is as important to rural life today as it was centuries ago.”

As of March 2010, HLF has made grant awards in aid of preserving heritage in Warwickshire amounting to nearly £17m in total, and this project will play its part in delivering information and valuable learning opportunities for local children and the wider community and continue the preservation of Warwickshire’s heritage. The project is expected to be completed by the later part of July.

Notes to editors

Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported 33,900 projects, allocating £4.4billion across the UK.

Further information

Robert Smith, HLF Press Office on 020 7591 6245 or roberts@hlf.org.uk

Richard Shacklock, Project Manager on 01608 684 478 or dick@shacklocks.net