A national scheme to conserve and repair England's cathedrals - from which Chichester Cathedral was awarded £650,000 - has significantly reduced immediate risks, a report published today said.
The £40 million First World War Centenary Cathedral Repairs Fund, launched by the Government in 2014, invited applications from Catholic and Church of England cathedrals to address urgent repair works. The fund prioritised making buildings weatherproof, safe and open to the public as well as ensuring they would be in a safe condition to host acts of remembrance for the centenary of the First World War armistice in 2018.
Chichester Cathedral received a total of £650,00 – this included £140,000 towards repair works to the north west tower roof to reduce leaking and damp staining; £100,000 towards a project to replace the roof of the south-east transept; £160,000 towards major repairs to the western cloister; and £250,000 towards a £5.8 million project to repair and restore the Cathedral’s High Roof and replace the failing copper covering with lead.
Today’s independent report shows a significant reduction of problems requiring immediate repair as a result of the investment but warned that recipients all had outstanding repairs in areas not covered by the scheme. Chichester Cathedral’s High Roof Appeal, for example, is an unprecedented undertaking for the Cathedral. The Cathedral roof is of national importance – for the entire length from east to west, lies much of the original 13th century medieval roof structure – however, it is no longer watertight and rainwater is penetrating the roof vault, damaging the medieval timbers, masonry and plasterwork. The fatigued copper panels urgently need to be replaced with lead. £3.3 million has been raised so far (including £250,000 from the WW1 Fund) with a further £2.5 million still to raise. The work will be completed in four phases: first the Quire (the central area) which is now half way through and due for completion late 2018; then the South Transept, North Transept and the Nave.
England’s cathedrals contribute more than £220m to the economy each year, drawing in more than 11 million visitors and Chichester Cathedral welcomes over 350,000 people a year. Each cathedral has the responsibility for raising the funds required for upkeep. However, with no regular Government funding, each cathedral faces an ongoing challenge to maintain their fabric while ensuring comfort, safety and accessibility for all.
The Bishop of Worcester, Dr John Inge, the Church of England’s lead bishop for churches and cathedrals said: “Cathedrals such as Chichester are at the forefront of the nation’s acts of remembrance each year, and have huge economic, spiritual and missional impact on their communities. This fund has been an imaginative and welcome resource to ensure our cathedrals are fit for this commemoration, as well as underpinning the vital contributions they make to their communities. It is vital that we do not stop here, and continue our commitment as a nation to protecting Chichester and all England’s cathedrals for generations to come. We look forward to continuing a constructive dialogue with the Government around future funding collaborations.”
As part of Chichester Cathedral’s WW1 commemorations, on 9th November 2018, local schools are being invited to gather at a peace-making event at Chichester Cathedral to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War and to inspire them to take positive action to work for peace, in their own communities and around the world. The event is one of a series of high profile, simultaneous peace-making events which are being held in cathedrals throughout the United Kingdom. Pupils will also contribute to a large scale art work made of willow in the Cathedral’s North Transept, which will be on display for the month of November.
For evaluation report and supporting documents please click here