A major programme of investment will support three parish churches across Norfolk through the Government-backed Places of Worship Renewal Fund, administered by Historic England. As part of a nationwide initiative to safeguard historic places of worship, the funding will help churches undertake vital repairs, protect heritage assets and enhance facilities that serve their local communities.
The Norfolk Anglican churches receiving money include; King’s Lynn Minster, St Andrew’s Church in Gorleston and St Nicholas Church in Dereham.
Nicholas Cannon, Church Care Manager for the Diocese of Norwich, said:
“It is good news that three churches in the Diocese, King’s Lynn Minster, St Nicholas’ Church at Dereham, and St Andrew’s Church at Gorleston, have received grants under this scheme. This will enable these active churches to take forward much-needed and long-planned repairs and improvements.
We hope that these will be the first of many further similar grants to churches in the Diocese of Norwich. We have a great need for such support”.
The grants will support a range of projects, from urgent repairs and conservation work to improved accessibility, upgraded heating and electrical systems, and better facilities for community use. The investment will help ensure these historic buildings can continue to welcome worshippers, visitors and local groups for many years to come.
Support for churches and communities
At King’s Lynn Minster, funding will support urgent repairs to the north transept and restoration of historic masonry within the transept wall.
At St Andrew’s Church in Gorleston, the award will help with repairs to the church floor, reinstating an internal access ramp and installing a concealed kitchenette to offer an improved welcome to visitors and community groups.
The grant of £285,518 provides the remaining funding needed to complete the project.
St Nicholas Church, Dereham, which has a history stretching back more than 1,300 years, has also secured funding through the scheme. The grant will support a programme of repair and conservation work to the church building.
Revd Canon Paul Cubitt, Team Rector said:
“St Nicholas’ Church Dereham, is delighted to have been awarded a grant of £732,135 from Historic England’s Places of Worship Renewal Fund. The funding will help restore two rare Plantagenet ceilings and create the new Cowper Room, providing a flexible space for pastoral care, learning and community activities. We are immensely grateful for this generous award, which will enable us to safeguard our church’s precious heritage and to make better use of its historic spaces.”
Caring for Norfolk’s church heritage
The grants reflect the important contribution church buildings make to communities across Norfolk. Across the county, churches provide space for community events, support services, tourism, heritage and local gatherings. The investment will help ensure these historic buildings can continue to welcome worshippers, visitors and local groups for many years to come.