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

Across Cornwall, Gloucestershire, Devon and Somerset, these vital grants will help repair places of worship at risk including St Peter in Lamerton, Devon and St James the Great in Westerleigh, South Gloucestershire.

Richard Bellamy, Head of HLF in the South West, said: “Historic places of worship are an irreplaceable part of our heritage that continues to play a vital role within local communities today. In the last ten years, the Heritage Lottery Fund has invested £155million into these wonderful buildings and I am delighted we are able to continue supporting congregations across the South West to safeguard them for future generations.”

Andrew Vines, South West Planning Director for English Heritage, said: “We are delighted that these important buildings will benefit from HLF funding and English Heritage’s expert advice. We know that maintaining places of worship and developing them sensitively is a major challenge and we are glad to work with the inspiring volunteers who make repairs and enhancements happen. Such fine buildings are a great resource, as places of spiritual discovery, landmarks, events venues, places of solace and architectural treasures. These grants celebrate both what they are and can be, whilst supporting the people who care for them on behalf of us all.”

St Peter, Lamerton, Devon 
Grant:  £120,000
The Grade II* listed Church of St Peter is early 15th century in origin, with the addition of a later tower. The church was restored in the 1870s before suffering a major fire in 1877 which destroyed almost everything except for the external walls and the tower. Rebuilding was carried out between 1879-80, faithfully following the 15th century design. This grant will enable vital works including repairs and remedial work to the damp tower, and includes a comprehensive investigation stage as the exact cause of the dampness is not yet known.

St James the Great, Westerleigh, South Gloucestershire
Grant:  £62,000
The pennant stone of the Grade I listed church of St James the Great, originates from the 13th century and was rebuilt in the 15th century. The chancel was rebuilt by Ewan Christian between 1879-81 and restored by Sedding in 1896. The roofing slates are very local red pennant sandstone reputed to be quarried from the village itself, but these are now in poor condition. The roof of the main church needs replacing.

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 EH. 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 30th June for Grade I and II* and 30th September for Grade II listed places of worship. www.english-heritage.org.uk

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. 

Further information

Natasha Ley or Lydia Davies, HLF Press Office on 020 7591 6143/6035 or 07973 613 820 or natashal@hlf.org.uk