The money comes from the Repair Grants for Places of Worship scheme*, which is funded by HLF with the expert guidance of English Heritage.

Across the country, this vital funding will now help repair some of England’s most important places of worship at risk; these include Sandy Rows Synagogue in London; St Issey Church in Cornwall and St Alban the Martyr in Hull. 

Carole Souter, Chief Executive of HLF, said: “Places of worship include some of England’s most historic buildings. They sit at the heart of our cities, towns and villages and continue to play a vital role within our communities today. With these grants, I am delighted we are able to continue supporting congregations across the country to safeguard these heritage treasures for future generations.”

Dr Simon Thurley, Chief Executive of English Heritage, said: “The HLF’s commitment to places of worship is crucial if congregations are to keep their buildings in use. All 77 beneficiaries need urgent support to ensure that high level stonework, roofing and rainwater goods are in full working order, keeping the buildings wind and watertight.  Without these essential repairs and regular on-going maintenance we run the risk of loosing historic fabric, existing facilities and future opportunities.”

Notes to editors
*The Repair Grants for Places of Worship in England Scheme is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and administered by English Heritage on behalf of both organisations. 

Until 2010, the scheme was jointly funded by HLF and English Heritage. Since then, HLF has provided the majority of the funding to ensure that the scheme continues in its current form until 2013.

Listed places of worship in England of all denominations and faiths are eligible for grants which support urgent repairs to the fabric of the building with a focus on projects costing less than £250,000. There is a two-stage application process with development funding available at Stage One to help work up proposals.

To be eligible for the next round of funding, applicants need to apply by 30 June for Grade I and II* and 30 September for Grade II listed places of worship.

English Heritage

English Heritage is the Government’s statutory advisor on the historic environment. It provides advice on how best to conserve England’s heritage for the benefit of everyone. While most of England’s heritage is in private hands, it works with all who come into contact with it - landowners, businesses, planners and developers, national, regional and local government, the Third Sector, local communities and the general public -  to help them understand, value, care for and enjoy England’s historic environment.

It is also entrusted with the custodianship of over 400 sites and monuments which together form the national collection of built and archaeological heritage. These include some of the most important monuments of human history such as Stonehenge and Hadrian’s Wall.