All Saints’ Church Bolton Percy has received initial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for the Turning Dreams Into Reality project, it was announced today. The project aims to undertake major restoration work to the Nave and Tower roofs of this 15th Century village Church.
Development funding of £22,300 has been awarded to help All Saints’ Church progress their plans to apply for a full grant at a later date.
This initial funding will facilitate investigations to prepare for a second round application for further funding of essential conservation work to re-roof both the Nave and Tower of the Church and to execute much needed structural repairs within the Belfry to the Bell Chamber and Bell Frame.
The works are required urgently because the structure of the roofs, in particular, has deteriorated significantly in recent years.
The building, which is an excellent example of the perpendicular style of architecture, was first consecrated in 1424. It has many unique features including stained glass windows from medieval times up to the present day with its millennium window installed in 2000. The church is a constant attraction to many visitors and special interest groups.
This magnificent building dominates our tiny English village and as well as being a place of worship it has been the centrepiece of the community throughout its 600 years.
The Revd Geoff Mumford, vicar of Bolton Percy expressed his delight at the Award from the Heritage Lottery Fund saying “This Development Grant is a vital first step in helping us to progress the larger project for the substantial work required to the Nave and Tower roofs which will help to preserve the unique character of this important building for future generations.”
Explaining the importance of the HLF support, Fiona Spiers, Head of HLF Yorkshire and Humber, said; “There is a place of worship in almost every ward, village and town across the Yorkshire and Humber region, providing a very powerful visual connection with our past. Not only will our awards secure the immediate future of these particular buildings, it will also empower congregations to adapt them, where necessary, so they can be enjoyed more widely throughout the community and in turn enable them be more sustainable for the future.”