£300k cash boost for Minster

Southwell Minster has been awarded a further £295,000 for urgent repairs , as part of a multi-million pound government pot.
Southwell Travel Feature

Southwell MinsterSouthwell Travel Feature

Southwell Minster
Southwell Travel Feature Southwell Minster

The award is part of the final phase of grants to cathedrals from the First World War Centenary Cathedral Repairs Fund, after the minster was awarded £291,000 in the first run of cash funding.

The latest grant will help pay for repairs to the north quire aisle and north east transept roof at the building, which dates back in part to Saxon times.

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The Dean of Southwell, the Very Rev Nicola Sullivan said: “This generous grant gives us immense hope and encouragement at a time when maintaining and repairing Southwell Minster is a huge financial burden on the congregations and local community.

“We are grateful to the WW1 fund to receive a second grant for vital roof repairs.”

Chapter clerk at the minster, Caroline Jarvis, added: “We are particularly grateful for this generous grant as Southwell was successful in round one – in total we have been awarded £586,000.

“This is a wonderful grant that will help keep Southwell Minster’s roofs in good repair for future generations.”

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In total, £40 million has been allocated through 146 awards to 57 cathedrals, with twelve awarded more than £1 million each, while the average award was £274,000.

The largest number of projects, approximately a third, are for roof repairs, followed by high-level stonework restoration, then repairs to towers and stained glass windows.

A number of essential infrastructure projects, such as rewiring, drainage, and heating systems, have also been supported.

Heritage Minister Tracey Crouch said: “Cathedrals are not only beautiful pieces of architecture, they hold centuries of our nation’s history and are centrepieces in our communities.

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“This important fund will help maintain and repair these historic buildings so they can be enjoyed for years to come by everyone.”

The Church of England’s 42 cathedrals are estimated to contribute around £220 million to the national economy every year through employment and tourism.

They welcome more than 11 million visitors annually, employ more than 7,000 people and are supported by 15,000 dedicated volunteers.