A MUCH-LOVED Herefordshire church is to share in a £507,000 funding payout from the National Churches Trust.

A £14,000 National Churches Trust Cornerstone Grant will help fund connecting mains water and the installation of kitchen and toilets at the Grade II listed St Peter’s church, Withington.

Broadcaster and journalist Huw Edwards, Vice President of The National Churches Trust, said: “The UK's historic churches and chapels are a vital part of our national heritage and have done so much to help local people during the COVID-19 lockdown.

"But to survive, many need to carry out urgent repairs and install modern facilities. The cost of this work is far beyond what most congregations can pay for themselves.

“So, I’m delighted that St Peter’s church in Withington is being helped with a £14,000 National Churches Trust Grant.

"The work connecting mains water and installing a kitchen and toilets will enable it to better serve its community.”

A total of 59 grants have been awarded to benefit churches and chapels in England, Wales and Northern Ireland by the National Churches Trust, the charity that supports the UK’s church buildings.

These are the second-round of grants made by the National Churches Trust in 2020.

To date this year, the Trust has distributed 145 grants, over £1 million to churches and chapels around the UK.

The nave and chancel of St Peter’s were originally built in the late 12th century, the evidence being the thickness of the walls and the two simple Norman nave doorways.

The chancel was later renewed, and is divided from the nave by a wooden tracery screen from the 15th century.

The church’s tower, probably late 13th century is notable for its diagonal buttresses. The graceful octagonal stone spire was added in the 14th century and renovated in both Victorian times and in 2006. The steps and base of the Churchyard Cross are from the 14th or 15th century.

Inside, in the chancel is a brass tablet to William Saxeye (1612), a Chief Justice in Ireland under Queen Elizabeth I.

The decorated font is probably Victorian with marble columns. The windows date from the early 13th century onwards, and show examples of early English styles.

The stained glass in the three-light South window is by Ward & Hughes and dates from 1892. In the south wall of the nave is a piscine of the late 13th century.

The project

The project will connect the church to mains water and mains sewage, build an accessible toilet, kitchen with sink and storage facilities, and then level the flooring with a modern wooden floor.

Kevin Hewison and Margaret Soutar, church wardens at St Peter’s said: “We are thrilled that this grant means that we now have more than 90% towards our total required.

"Consequently, we have started a final appeal with our parishioners, friends, supporters and local businesses to raise the remaining £7,000 required.

"We are also in discussion with our architect and builder to agree on a starting date.”