Historic church near Barnstaple gets grants towards urgent roof repairs

Urgent roof repairs can be carried out to a historic church near Barnstaple thanks to some timely grant aid.

The roof at the 16th century St Bartholomew church in Stoke Rivers is failing, with slipped and missing slates are letting in water, threatening the historic plaster and timber panelling inside.

The Grade I listed church is on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register, but it is hoped the more urgent work can now be carried out thanks to grants made possible via the National Churches Trust.

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St Bartholomew will receive a £3,000 grant from the trust itself and on the recommendation of the trust, it will also receive a £7,000 Wolfson Fabric Repair Grant from the Wolfson Foundation and a £3,000 grant from the Headley Trust.

Above: St Bartholomew Church also has an 18th century slate sundial over the door. Credit: Rev Rosie Austin

The church is currently open to visitors during daylight hours and as well as still holding festival services and weddings, it remains a beautiful example of medieval architecture and is a popular destination for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts. 

Above: The damaged slates are causing water to leak into the historic church. Credit: Rev Rosie Austin

St Bartholomew was built in the late 15th or early 16th century, but had significant alterations in 1882. The church is also home to a number of interesting artefacts, including a 15th century font and a 17th century pulpit. Over the porch it has a beautiful slate sundial by John Berry, which was added in 1770.

Reverend Rosie Austin, Team Rector of Shirwell Mission Community, said: “Stoke Rivers is a beautiful Grade I Listed church serving a small community.

“In 2018 we had to consider closing the doors, but due to support from many from the Parish we were able to form a Friends group who have worked hard to keep the church clean and open daily, and decorated with fresh flowers. A book exchange and food bank drop off point also serve the local community.”

“We worship here for festival services throughout the year and also gather for weddings, Christenings and funerals. The church continues to be an important and valued part of the community. 

“The Friends group works alongside the Church at Bratton Fleming. It has hosted various events to raise funds so now at last with the support of these grants are able to begin the important roof works in September.  

“We are grateful to the National Churches Trust, the Wolfson Foundation and the Headley Trust for their support and also to the Devon Historic Churches Trust and Exeter Diocese.”

Above: The historic plasterwork and timbers inside St Bartholomew Church is under threat if the roof is not repaired. Credit: Rev Rosie Austin

The grants mean the north slope of the south aisle roof and south slope of the nave roof will have slates removed and refitted. While this work is being done, the church will be able to assess the damage to the timbers too.

Claire Walker, chief executive of the National Churches Trust, said: “The National Churches Trust is delighted to be able to support St Bartholomew church to enable them to carry out urgent repairs to their beautiful building.

“Not only will this protect this important heritage, but it will help to keep the church building open and serving local people.

“Whether seeking quiet reflection, access to community services or a place to worship, the National Churches Trust helps hundreds of churches each year and with the support of local people, keeps them thriving today and tomorrow.”

Paul Ramsbottom, chief executive of the Wolfson Foundation, said: “Churches have a crucial role as places of worship – but they also serve as integral parts of our communities, and not least as custodians of heritage. We are pleased to continue our partnership with the National Churches Trust to help safeguard these important, beautiful buildings for future generations.”