Eighteen places of worship are celebrating this month after receiving over £95,000 from the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust (YHCT).
The YHCT is a charity whose objective is to help churches in Yorkshire by offering grants for conservation, repairs and maintenance. Through fundraising, donations and membership, the Trust distributes funding to churches and chapels from all Christian denominations of any age in need of financial assistance to preserve and repair their church.
Funding has been awarded to places of worship from Sheffield to Hawes and Bridlington to Birkby and includes Anglican, Catholic, United Reformed Churches as well as a City Church, part of the Christ Central group of churches.
St Martin’s Church, Bulmer
One of the churches receiving funding is St Martin’s in Bulmer. The YHCT were delighted to award £9000 towards repairs to the 14th century tower, to keep it watertight. This Grade I listed church has great historical significance, housing the head of a Saxon wheel-cross and an effigy of John de Bulmer, who died in the 1270s. His descendent Sir John Bulmer, and his wife, were involved in the Pilgrimage of Grace. The church receives many visitors coming to nearby Castle Howard and the members of the community are setting up a local history group to research and deliver an in-church ‘Info point/touchscreen’ themed around the history of Bulmer.
The Rev Douglas Robertson, from St Martin’s said: “This funding from the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust will make all the difference to us being able to carry out the necessary maintenance work. Fixing the tower preserves not only the heritage of this important building but ensures that the community and congregation can also continue to use this building to the benefit of all.”
Hornsea United Reformed Church
The Grade II listed Hornsea United Reformed Church also received a grant. Built between 1872-4 in gothic style, a recent inspection of the roof unearthed failures of the pointing at the joints, allowing damp to get in. The church has played host to a number of concerts for the community and is used by all their local schools. The YHCT awarded £5000 towards the repairs, which will ensure the building’s future and continue its work in the local community.
Margaret Knapton from Hornsea United Reformed Church said: “This funding from the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust will make all the difference to us being able to carry out the necessary maintenance work repairs and continue with our mission of being an open and accessible church. On behalf of all who love and care for the church, I am immensely grateful to the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust.”
All Saints and St James at Nunnington
£6,000 was also awarded to All Saints and St James at Nunnington, nestled in the stunning Howardian Hills. Originally dating back to 12th century, this church still houses the altar from 1672 and its original oak door, with mediaeval fleur-de-lys hinges.
The YHCT were delighted to help towards the cost of replacing 4 frosted glass nave windows with clear-glazed square panels with red-coloured borders, to replicate the originals housed in the church before restoration works took place in 1883. The replacement windows will hugely enhance the quality and clarity of light into what is a much loved church, actively looked after by the wider community and open every day to visitors.
The Revd Canon Sue Binks, Vicar at All Saints and St James said: “All Saints and St James Parish Church is cherished by the whole community and holds great meaning for the village; the Church walls are soaked in centuries of prayer and it is such a beautiful place of serenity and beauty to mark the glad and sad happenings of life both individually and corporately”.
Tom Ramsden, Chairman of the YHCT said: “Yorkshire is home to many of the most important churches in the United Kingdom: They dominate the landscape, they are vital to the life of many communities, and they are full of the treasures of our heritage. The Trust relies on the generosity of Friends and donors to help ensure these important buildings are preserved and we were delighted to award funding to St Martin’s to help preserve the sanctity of building and uphold its role as a centre of worship, community engagement, and cultural heritage”.
The YHCT are welcoming applications from places of worship up until 22nd August for the next round of grants, due to be awarded in October 2025. Trustees are keen to hear from places of worship looking for funding to keep their church and churchyard well-maintained, to prevent future costly repairs, ensure safety and ultimately preserve history.
