Drone view of the church. Credit: Jonathan Rhind Architects
St Helen’s Church in Abbotsham is set to see its historic bells ring once more, following a £34,985 grant from the National Churches Trust.
The funding, part of a £1 million urgent support package for 18 historic churches across the UK, will enable vital repairs to the church’s deteriorating bell tower.
The tower at St Helen’s has suffered significant damage, with serious fractures in the south and west walls allowing rainwater to seep in.
This has led to extensive water damage, flooding the bell chamber during heavy rains, rotting the supporting timbers, and threatening the church’s structure.
Consequently, the bell chamber has become unsafe, silencing the church’s bells and endangering the building’s future.
The church is listed on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register.
Without intervention, the church risks losing its status as a place of worship and a community hub, a loss that the National Churches Trust said: “Would be devastating for the local area.”
Claire Walker, Chief Executive of the National Churches Trust said: “This will safeguard unique local heritage and keep it open and in use for the benefit of local people. The National Churches Trust helps hundreds of churches each year, and with the support of local people, keeps them thriving today and tomorrow.”
Martin Wilson, Churchwarden of St Helen’s, welcomed the grant.
He said: “This exceptionally generous grant is wonderful news and will help secure the long-term future of our beautiful church,” he said. “The financial support from the National Churches Trust has been crucial, allowing our church to continue serving as a place of worship and a vital community resource.”
St Helen’s Church is renowned for its architectural features, including a 15th-century wagon roof adorned with carved wooden angels, a 1921 carved wooden reredos, and 39 pews with 16th-century bench ends, each depicting a different scene.
The church also boasts a Norman font and Victorian stained-glass windows. The bell tower houses six bells, including one cast in 1385, believed to be the oldest in the county.
The National Churches Trust’s funding was made possible by a £500,000 donation from a private benefactor, sparking further support from over a thousand individuals, businesses, and trusts.
This collective effort has raised more than £1 million, helping to preserve these historic churches for future generations.
Claire also said: “Churches are the beating hearts of communities. Making vital repairs means these churches will stay open, serving local people. Every church kept open keeps a community alive.”
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