The latest news about church heritage including how to save it, things to look out for and interesting places to visit. You'll also find stories from churches, chapels and meeting houses from across the UK sharing about the wonderful ways they are keeping their buildings open and in use.
The details of the Spending Review have been announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves. The Department of Culture, Media & Sport [DCMS] has been given its budget for the next three years. One choice DCMS must now make is whether to fund the Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme – a scheme that has so far saved over 13,000 churches but now faces an uncertain future.
Reading is really beneficial, but a wide range of social and monetary factors prevent many from enjoying the benefits. However, there is something that your church can do to help. Mildmay St Jude & St Paul’s Church, in North London, created a Book Bank to run alongside its food bank. Find out how the book bank was established and how the church has embraced it. Plus, get advice for how you can set up your own book bank.
During a Westminster Hall debate, MPs from different political parties urged the Government to fund church buildings if they want to continue to see vulnerable people helped and heritage saved. It was great to see MPs from different parties speak about the value of churches and show their support for The Listed Places of Worship Grants scheme. Find out more about what was covered in the debate here.
The Countryside Alliance published new research showing that, on average, at least eight crimes took place at churches every day from 2022-2024. The statistics are sadly no surprise. And now, through no fault of their own, repair costs to fix the damage will be up to 20 percent more expensive for listed churches.
Churches are often physical archives of local history, preserving the memory of significant figures and events through stained glass, memorial plaques, and of course gravestones. Challoch All Saints, a remote building in Dumfries and Galloway, is one such church. However, a radical graveyard clean-up project has helped the church to create accurate records and make new discoveries.
Changes by the Government have made repairs to any listed place of worship up to 20 per cent more expensive to carry out. Despite this devastating blow for churches, we are pleased to announce in our latest round of grants, we have helped 42 churches, chapels and cathedrals, so they can help keep their buildings open and serving the community.
Starring as a filming location can be really exciting for your church. From the immediate income to the longer-term tourism draw, there are many advantages to be had. Any church could benefit from this but knowing where to start is hard. Find out how you can get involved and how to make the most of the opportunity from independent Film Location Management Consultant Henry Neild and Tricia Davis, from Bolton Percy All Saints parish church.
Historic Scottish Churches is the latest offering in Denis Dunstone’s series of superb books, which make use of charming watercolours to tell the stories of medieval churches. Featuring a foreword by National Churches Trust Vice President Lord Wallace of Tankerness, Historic Scottish Churches gives readers an illustrated insight into some of Scotland’s most significant medieval buildings.
Sometimes, through no fault of the congregation or leaders, disaster strikes at a church. It can be devastating for all who care for the building and in the wake of major setbacks, finding hope can be tough. But the right approach can help a church community to make a full recovery.
The UK’s historic churches are beautiful additions to so many cities, towns and villages. Every year, the changing seasons paint them in new light, and winter is no exception. After freezing temperatures hit the UK in early January, we asked you to submit your best photos of churches in the snow, to help us celebrate these brilliant buildings. Here are the winners, who will each receive a bundle of books as their prize.
The National Churches Trust responds to the decision made by the UK Government on the future of the Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme. Find out more about the decision and what this will mean for churches.
As organisations responsible for the church buildings belonging to the Catholic Church in England and Wales, the Church in Wales, the Church of England, the Church of Scotland, and as representatives of the Association of English Cathedrals, the Historic Religious Buildings Alliance and the National Churches Trust, we have grave concerns about the future of the Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme and call for its urgent renewal.
