Included in the 100 most endangered sites in the world by the World Monument Fund in 2006, this special building is in need of water and weatherproofing before the internal decoration can be addressed.
This important Anglo-Saxon Minster has parts dating from 950 A.D. It attracts visitors from round the world and is an important historic and spiritual site which was restored in Victorian times but now needs major restoration and repair works.
The Church is a Grade 1 listed building so great care needs to be taken. It is estimated that the work will take at least 10 years to complete and cost between £2-3 million at current prices.
Work in Progress
Restoration work will be in three stages:
Stage 1 (current stage) Prevention of water damage to internal structure
Stage 2 Repair of weather damage to the building
Stage 3 Internal restoration
At present we are at Stage 1 of the building repairs.
Phase 1 Repairs to North and South Transept Roofs
Work is now complete on this phase. The ground level drainage work had to be delayed until later as the roofwork was the priority.
During the replacement of the woodwork, there was several interesting finds including what is believed to be the Restoration Rood Beam, sawn in half and reused, and also a possible wooden cover for the 13th Century Font.
Phase 2 repairs will now be started as soon as possible
Phase 2 Tower Roof and masonry is estimated to cost around £325,000
Phase 3 Chancel Roof is to follow on from this
Phase 4 Nave Roof will be repaired after the chancel
Stage 2
Repairs to weather damage, External masonery, Repair glazing
Stage 3
Internal restoration, Repairs to damaged plaster, Redecoration
Work hopefully to be completed by 2015
Funds
Many national and international bodies, such as the World Monument Fund, the Church Commissioners and English Heritage are helping to fund this work. However more help is needed. If you wish to preserve this unique and important building for future generations, please consider making a Donation and/or joining the Friends of Stow Minster
Donations
Making a donation for the restoration work at St Mary’s Church can be done online. Please choose from options below, go to the appropriate site and follow the instructions.
For those paying UK tax, it is possible to gift aid your donations.
Please be generous, this important building needs your help if it is to be preserved for the future.
