Preston’s historic St Walburge’s Church has received a huge funding boost to help repair its roof.
Nearly a quarter of a million pounds is being pumped in by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to help preserve the future of the grade-I listed church.
Regarded as one of the most architecturally important 19th century Catholic churches in the country the funding is being focused on repairing and restoring the southern roof which has been at risk of water damage.
Read more: St Walburge’s church statue restoration is complete
A partnership with the Lancashire Archives is also being forged to preserve and make accessible the parish archives with around 5,000 items dating back to the 1850s.
Bishop of Lancaster Paul Swarbrick said: “I am most grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for this generous grant of £245,380.00 for priority work on the Church of St Walburge’s, Preston. I thank all those concerned who have worked to submit the grant application, including volunteers and professionals.
“From 2007 until 2010 I was Priest-in-Charge of this magnificent place of Catholic worship. It can lift the heart to spend time in prayer in its vast interior, but it can also weigh down the heart given the costs involved to maintain her, but she is definitely worth it! My prayers are with the Institute of Christ the King, Sovereign Priest, and their ministry at this important Shrine Church.”
The rector of St Walburge’s Canon Gwenael Cristofoli said: “This grant is a blessing for our community. We offer our grateful thanks to players of The National Lottery for enabling us to protect the beauty of this landmark church while also preserving and sharing the richness of our spiritual and musical traditions.”
St Walburge’s in Pedder Street was built between 1850 to 1854 and is the largest non-Cathedral Cathlic Church in England and has the third tallest spire in the UK – standing at 309ft tall.
Head of engagement, England, North at the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Louise Sutherland, said: “Places of worship are some of the most treasured historic buildings across the North of England and many play an important role as a cornerstone for our heritage and communities. We’re delighted that thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, we can support St Walburge’s to take vital actions towards securing a robust and more sustainable future for this wonderful church while forging stronger connections with communities in Preston.”
Support us: Become a supporter of Blog Preston, keep our community reporting going and view the website without any adverts too. Sign up for a membership today.
Stay updated: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.
Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines
