The money, a first-round pass endorsing HLF’s belief in the potential of the project, will help the Bramcote Old Church Tower Trust to develop proposals and apply for a full grant at a later date. The Grade II listed tower is on Nottinghamshire County Council’s ‘Buildings At Risk’ register. It is affectionately known locally as the ‘sunken church’ due to the myth that the rest of the church has sunk below ground leaving only the tower visible.

Artefacts in the tower, de-consecrated in 2010, include a 16th-century bell frame; alabaster wall memorials dating from the 18th and early 17th centuries, and an alabaster floor memorial dating from between 1495 and 1510. Lifting and displaying this memorial to prevent further erosion and preserve it for future generations is a major aim of the project. There is also work planned to conserve the ancient graveslabs in the churchyard and a geophysic survey to determine the footprint of the original church.

Water and electricity will be installed along with better facilities, including a small store, kitchen and toilet, for the comfort and convenience of the many community groups and visitors who use the building. Wheelchair access will also be resolved and there are exciting plans to engage local groups of all ages in researching the history and archaeology of the site and exploring its bio-diversity.

Peter Hillier, Chairman of the trust, was delighted with the news. “We are over the moon - thrilled to get this support from HLF,” he said. “A group of people in Bramcote has worked tirelessly over the last few years to raise funds and to bring this site back from the very neglected state it had fallen into. It’s a precious bit of Bramcote’s heritage, and the opportunity we’re being given now to secure and enhance it for future generations is just wonderful.”

Vanessa Harbar, Head of HLF East Midlands, said: “Bramcote Old Church Tower is a much-loved local landmark with an important history. This initial funding success is a testament to the hard work and passion shown by the local community to save the building and give it a sustainable future.”

Anna Soubry, MP for Broxtowe, said: “This is wonderful news for Bramcote and I am looking forward to visiting the project as it develops. I’d like to thank the Heritage Lottery Fund for supporting this project and ensuring that we preserve Bramcote Old Church Tower.”

The project now has two years to submit fully developed proposals to compete for a firm award. A sum in the region of £300,000 has been earmarked if the development plan is accepted.

Notes to editors

Bramcote Old Church Tower Trust is a charitable trust, which took on full responsibility and ownership of the site from the Church of England in 2010. Its main purpose is to provide for the maintenance, repair, restoration and conservation of the tower and grounds, to preserve its heritage and provide a safe space for community use.  For the last four years they have been awarded Green Flag status.

Friends of the Trust and other volunteers hold indoor and outdoor fund raising events throughout the year; welcome visitors on Heritage Open Days; attend local carnivals and community events, and give talks and tours to groups of all ages. The site has twice been the location for Star Safari, a promenade play put on by members of the community in the style of the medieval Mystery plays.

Further information

Bramcote Old Church Tower Trust: Peter Hillier (Trustee and Chair) on 0115  925 2104 or Moira Robinson (Trustee) on 0115 922 6782.