Heritage Grants
Lancaster Priory and Parish Church in St Mary's Gate, Lancaster, is part of the Diocese of Blackburn within the Church of England. It is a Grade I listed building located in the Lancaster Castle Conservation Area.
The work focuses on a crucial element of the Priory heritage, the pipe organ. The Priory’s last real pipe organ was built by Harrisons and was replaced in 1982 by a Makin electronic instrument. This instrument lacked the tonal quality and scale appropriate for musical activities at the location.
Two important heritage instruments were identified as suitable replacements: the organ at St John the Evangelist, Blackpool, built by Henry Willis III in 1913, and the organ of Blackburn Girls’ School, built by Harrison in 1905. The organ casework (1912) made by Paley and Austin from St John’s Church, Great Harwood would also be used. The project allowed for the two organs to be purchased, restored and installed.
The public participated in the work through activities such as open evenings, training sessions, guided tours, activity workshops and a concert series. Activities included the production of a video of the restoration.
For more information, visit the Priory's website.