Truro Cathedral receives £20,000 'lifeline' grant to help fund repairs
The money will go towards essential stonework repairs on the south west tower
Truro Cathedral has received a big financial boost to help fund repairs during the coronavirus pandemic.
Lifeline grants from the government's £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund are designed to protect heritage sites and ensure that jobs and access to culture and heritage in local communities are protected during the months ahead.
Truro Cathedral has been awarded £20,000 for essential stonework repairs needed for the South-West tower.
Grants of up to £25,000 are being allocated to cherished heritage sites, like Truro Cathedral, across the country to cover urgently needed maintenance and repairs. This vital funding comes from a part of the Culture Recovery Fund called the Heritage Stimulus Fund and is administered on behalf of the government by Historic England.
As well as rescuing precious heritage buildings in need, the injection of cash will protect livelihoods for some of the most vulnerable heritage specialists and contractors working in the sector.
Truro Cathedral is Cornwall’s only cathedral and plays an important role in providing both sacred space and common ground to its community. The cathedral was completed in the 1880s and this neo-gothic building was designed by John Loughborough Pearson. It is the home of the much loved Nine Lessons and Carols Festival service. As well as holding regular and special services, it is also used as a venue for many community and music events.
“This funding is a real boon for us at a time when our income is significantly depleted. Even when the nation is under lockdown the cathedral still needs maintaining, preserving, and keeping safe. Our resources are under more pressure than ever before and being enabled to undertake costly works such as these is a real lifeline with the funding covering much of the cost of this important repair.”
Sean O Neill, Chief Operating Officer at Truro Cathedral
“These grants will help the places that have shaped our skylines for hundreds of years and that continue to define culture in our towns and cities. We’re protecting heritage and culture in every corner of the country to save jobs and ensure it's there for future generations to enjoy.”
Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden
“Historic places across the country are being supported by the Government’s grants awarded under the Culture Recovery Fund. This funding is a lifeline which is kick-starting essential repairs and maintenance at many of our most precious historic sites, so they can begin to recover from the damaging effects of COVID-19.
“It is also providing employment for skilled craft workers who help keep historic places alive and the wheels of the heritage sector turning. Our shared heritage is an anchor for us all in these challenging times and this funding will help to ensure it remains part of our collective future.”
Duncan Wilson, Historic England Chief Executive