Understanding major parish churches
There are over 200 ‘major’ historic parish churches in England, churches with a floor space of more than 1000 square metres. Until now, no research has ever been done to try to understand whether there are particular challenges or opportunities that make them harder or easier to maintain and sustain than smaller listed places of worship. But that is about to change.
To fill this gap in understanding, a partnership project between Historic England, Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), the Greater Churches Network, the Church Buildings Council and Doncaster Minster has been launched. The findings from the project will be published in autumn 2016.
- This research will explore the current physical condition and the resources available to maintain, repair, manage and sustain larger historic churches.
- It will focus on highly significant buildings used by the community and nation that are expected to provide functions and services beyond those of a typical parish church (civic, cultural, ecclesiastical, tourism, etc.) but only have the resources of a parish church.
- Not all large buildings will be involved in the research but a carefully selected sample, representing sites across the country, dating from different periods and serving a range of communities will be invited to take part. A number of other parish churches will also be included, to provide parallel data about buildings of a smaller size.
Consultants wishing to tender for the work (before 7 September 2015) can find out more at Historic England’s website. If you are a major parish church and want to know more visit the ChurchCare website.