Historic town church receives £225k funding boost

St Laurence Church in Stroud will receive £225,636 with plans to apply for a further £1.9m in future

A historic church on the Heritage at Risk Register has received more than £220,000 in grant funding to help secure its future.

St Laurence Church in Stroud, Gloucestershire, has been awarded development funding of up to £225,636 by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, with plans to apply for a larger full National Lottery grant of £1.9m at a later date.

The St Laurence Restored project aims to carry out urgent repairs to the Grade II* listed church, described as being in 'poor' condition by Historic England, so that it can remain a key community asset for the town.

Hugh Richards, churchwarden, said: "We are thrilled to have received this initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund."

"We can now develop our plans to save this much-loved building and ensure it continues to serve the whole community of Stroud for generations to come," he added.

The church is listed on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register and would have been at risk of closure without the funding.

A detailed survey carried out in 2022 highlighted the need for urgent repairs to the roof, guttering, stonework and stained glass windows.

'Rich heritage'

Mr Richards said that he hoped to "see the church swathed in a scaffolding cocoon sometime in 2027 and emerge restored in 2028".

Stuart McLeod, director of England, London & South at the National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "St Laurence Church is a much-loved landmark of Stroud's heritage and community life.

"This project will not only address urgent repair needs but also connect people with the rich heritage on their doorstep."