Affectionately known by locals as the Boston Stump, the Lincolnshire landmark will be able to carry out urgent repairs and enhance its role in the community.

The Grade I-listed church is one England's largest parish churches and is famed for its 272ft medieval tower, particularly prominent against the region's flat fenland. Thanks to National Lottery players, the church will be removed from the Heritage At Risk Register and established as a centre of culture, heritage and community integration.

Major moment for Boston

This announcement of funding is a major moment for the market town. Once a historic trading port, Boston has a long history of immigration and emigration. The Pilgrim Fathers famously attempted to set sail from Boston to the Netherlands, and eventually, to the new colonies in America.

[quote=Revd Alyson Buxton]"We would like to thank players of the National Lottery for helping to make this possible."[/quote]

Recent immigration from Eastern Europe has caused tensions in the town. The Passion for People project aims to share Boston’s role in local and international history to encourage both Bostonians and recent immigrants to take pride in the town and learn from one another.

A Passion for People

The project will repair the tower and belfry, install underfloor heating and improve access, and provide an education and activity scheme to tell the stories of the church, town and its people.

Already well-known as an arts venue, a programme of exhibitions and concerts will strengthen this offer.

Reverend Alyson Buxton, Team Rector of the Parish of Boston, said: “We are delighted to have this significant vote of confidence from the Heritage Lottery Fund... We long to continue to serve the congregation and community by completing our essential fabric repairs and re-ordering the church to make it as life-giving as possible for all who visit.

[quote=Jonathan Platt, Head of HLF East Midlands]"The Boston Stump is an iconic landmark on the Lincolnshire skyline..."[/quote]

"We would like to thank players of the National Lottery for helping to make this possible.”

National Lottery funding for Boston

In 2012, Boston was designated as one of HLF’s Priority Development Areas – where HLF works with local organisations to develop and increase project applications. Boston has since received funding for a number of projects, including Boston Borough Council’s Townscape Heritage scheme and Boston Sessions House.

Jonathan Platt, Head of HLF East Midlands, said: “The Boston Stump is an iconic landmark on the Lincolnshire skyline and this project will ensure the church continues to play a central role in the community of Boston for years to come. We’re proud to continue a string of National Lottery awards for Boston’s heritage."