A development grant to All Saints’ Church, Helmsley, by the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF), will boost plans to conserve the Grade II* listed building’s unique Edwardian wall paintings (pictured) and deliver a programme of traditional skills development in masonry, heritage building and wall painting restoration.
Announced in late December 2024, the grant of just over £138,000 represents a key milestone in a project that it is hoped, if successful at delivery stage, would attract a substantially larger grant.
Serving a beautiful market town in the North York Moors National Park, All Saints’ Church was heavily rebuilt in the 19th century but includes parts of a 12th century building; it attracts worshippers, visitors and audiences from across Ryedale. The Parochial Church Council (PCC) hopes the NLHF-backed development plans will support a safe and sustainable future for the historic building and the heritage it holds.
The Reverend Melanie Burnside said, “We are thrilled to be given this grant by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, to allow us to create detailed plans to restore and preserve the unique and amazing heritage in our lovely church, and especially to widen the range of local people and visitors who can engage with this heritage in new and innovative ways. We are grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and to everyone who supports the lottery.”
The church plans to hold events early in 2025 for the public to showcase the plans, see what is happening and get involved.
St Martin’s Church, Bulmer, has been awarded a grant of £248,504 by the NHLF to conserve and improve the thermal efficiency of its 14th century tower, enhance access and strengthen links with the community to help increase participation in the use and maintenance of the 11th century, Grade I listed building.
Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said, “Places of worship are some of the UK’s most cherished historic buildings and many play a key role as a gateway to our heritage and communities.”
