Priest's delight at funding to repair one of Rotherham's oldest buildings

The priest-in-charge of a Maltby church has said she is ‘delighted’ that the place of worship has been given a funding boost thanks to a special government fund.

The money will support a project to preserve the late Saxon/early Norman tower and spire at St Bartholomew’s Church in Maltby, one of the oldest buildings in Rotherham.

Rev Beth Langner said that pointing and weatherproofing will take place over the coming months, ensuring a safe building for use by the whole community.

The £4 million cash pot from the Places of Worship Renewal Fund and Heritage at Risk Capital Fund will be shared amongst seven sites across Yorkshire and the Humber.

The money is part of the wider £1.5 billion Arts Everywhere Fund.

Other Yorkshire and Humberside beneficiaries include the Church of St Agnes in Leeds and Sir Moses Montefiore Memorial Synagogue in Grimsby.

Now in its second year, the Heritage at Risk Capital Fund helps heritage buildings in the greatest need to be saved from at-risk status, with an emphasis on their role within communities.

Both funds give priority to areas of England which are in the greatest need, where fundraising can be most difficult and government funding can have the greatest impact.

The schemes are delivered by Historic England.

The Heritage at Risk Capital Fund will also support three major national heritage sites with projects designed to keep them preserved for future generations, such as Doncaster’s Brodsworth Hall.

Rev Beth Langner said: “I, along with the churchwardens and the wider church community, are delighted to hear we have secured this very generous grant from Historic England’s Places of Worship Renewal Fund.

“It will mean that we are able to preserve this beautiful building for generations to come.

“The work is being funded by Historic England’s Places of Worship Renewal Fund grant scheme.”

Heritage Minister Baroness Twycross said: “Nothing tells the stories of our nation quite like the historic buildings at the heart of our communities.

“But too often they are a far cry from their former glory with leaking roofs and crumbling stonework.

“Thanks to this funding, the much loved buildings that fill our hometowns with character will be keeping the doors open to communities for years to come.”

Emma Squire and Claudia Kenyatta, Co-CEOs of Historic England, said: “Historic places are at the heart of communities across England.

“They help shape the character and identity of the places we live, work and visit, and provide spaces where people can come together, connect and take part in community life.

“Through the first rounds of grants from the Heritage at Risk Capital Fund and Places of Worship Renewal Fund, which we’re proud to steward on behalf of government, we are investing over £41 million to support 74 projects across England.

“These grants will support historic buildings and places of worship that face significant repair and conservation needs.”