For many years, the spire at Holy Trinity Southchurch in Southend-on-Sea has been victim to local woodpeckers and the coastal weather. However, a project to carry out urgent repairs to the spire will soon be underway.

One of the oldest buildings in the community, it is believed a church has stood on the site since the 7th century! The spire, which dates back to the 15th Century, is covered in shingles – thin wooden tiles – that, over time, have been badly damaged.

[quote=Recently appointed Rector, Tom Lilley]This important work will ensure that Holy Trinity can continue to be an important symbol to all the people of Southend [/quote]

The project will repair the spire, gutters, as well as making many of the Victorian windows more secure. Local people will also help to share the heritage stories of the church through historical research and developing a new church guide. It is hoped that this project will encourage more people to visit and make use of this beautiful ancient church.

This £48,600 award was made through HLF’s Grants for Places of Worship programme; which supports urgent structural repairs and activities to get the community more involved with their heritage. Awards of £10,000 to £250,000 are available and more information can be found on our Grants for Places of Worship pages - GPOW (England), GPOW (Northern Ireland), GPOW (Scotland) and GPOW (Wales).