All Saints Church Shiptonthorpe (located 18 miles south-east of York) has recently received initial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund under the Grants for Places of Worship Scheme.
Made possible by National Lottery players, the project aims to carry out some major restoration work on the church following an English Heritage (now called (Historic England) assessment that the structure of the 12th Century church was in danger of failure or loss.
Development funding of £13,600 has been provided by HLF to support a £23,000 detailed analysis of the restoration requirements to guarantee the integrity of the church. This funding will allow All Saints Church, Shiptonthorpe, to progress plans for a full grant later this year for the second phase which will involve the physical restoration of the church with an anticipated completion by Autumn 2018.
The church was built in the 12th and 13th Centuries, though a place of worship was on-site for hundreds of years before the current stone-built church. Its last major restoration was in the 19th Century when the roof was replaced.
During the Victorian era, the stained-glass windows were installed, and during the 20th Century, a central heating system introduced. The new restoration work will involve the replacement of the slate-tiled roof and its supporting structure, as well as much of the guttering and drainage system. In addition, substantial masonry and stonework repair will be needed.
In addition to the conservation and restoration work, the project aims to attract a range of visitors to this Grade 1 Listed church by providing booklets on the history of the church. In addition, there will be displays within the church, and photographs and memorabilia will be put on-line to allow wider public access. To improve the facilities within the church, a toilet and kitchenette facilities are scheduled to be installed.
In addition to holding regular church services, the church has been used for regular concerts by local musicians and holds events such as the biennial Flower Festival.