Cathedrals Benefit From £5.4m Government Grants

Manchester Cathedral will be given half a million pounds for emergency tower repairs. File

Nearly five and a half million pounds will be awarded to cathedrals across the UK as the government announced the final phase of a two-year programme on Monday.

Twenty-four Anglican and Catholic cathedrals will benefit from the grants totaling £5,423,000 for urgent repair work. Ely, Manchester, Southwark and Truro cathedrals were awarded £500,000 each as part of the wider First World War Centenary Cathedral Repairs Fund totalling £40million.

The vast majority of Monday's grants went to Church of England buildings with Catholic cathedrals taking about a fifth of the total.

Overrall 57 cathedrals have received an average of £274,000, with 12 cathedrals awarded more than £1 million each.

Second church estates commissioner, Caroline Spelman, said it was a "farsighted investment that will bring a return to cities across the country".

The funds will be used for urgent repair work to stained glass windows, stone pinnacles, and roofs as well as drainage and lighting.

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

The CofE's 42 cathedrals bring around £220 million to the economy each year and welcome more than 11 million visitors annually.

Dr John Inge, Bishop of Worcester and lead bishop for the Church of England, said: "Cathedrals are not only the jewel in the crown of our built heritage, they are at the heart of our nation's common life – through commemoration, remembering, celebration and grief. People can find space and solace in them, both in large acts of worship and solitary contemplation. These welcome grants ensure that they continue to enrich our society in the future."

News
Over 320,000 people sign petition opposing Macron's '21st century mark' on Notre-Dame
Over 320,000 people sign petition opposing Macron's '21st century mark' on Notre-Dame

Over 323,000 people have signed a petition in opposition to new stained-glass window designs for Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.

Nicki Minaj says she has rekindled her relationship with God
Nicki Minaj says she has rekindled her relationship with God

Rapper Nicki Minaj opened up about her recently reignited relationship with God and what inspired her to speak out for persecuted Christians, suggesting that her rise in the music industry made it more challenging to maintain the spirituality of her youth. 

Legal action launched challenge to civil service participation in LGBT Pride events
Legal action launched challenge to civil service participation in LGBT Pride events

The Christian Institute has initiated legal proceedings against Keir Starmer in a bid to end civil service participation in controversial Pride marches. 

National Lottery Heritage Fund awards £7.3m to historic churches
National Lottery Heritage Fund awards £7.3m to historic churches

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded more than £7.3 million to help maintain four historic churches.