North Aisle Repairs Underway, Thanks to Historic England Fund
St Lawrence Parish Church, York, has started work on urgent repairs to its north aisle, after winning a £25,000 grant from Historic England’s Cultural Recovery Fund.
The overall project of £36,000 is the latest at St Lawrence, which has recently seen the completion of a £410,000 organ conservation project to install the 1885 Denman Organ, together with St Michael-le-Belfrey, York, and Nicholson’s of Worcester. St Lawrence has also had a new vicar appointed, Fr Adam Romanis, and a stained glass window commemorating the D-Day Landings and the Normandy Campaign, designed by the internationally acclaimed York-based artist Helen Whittaker.
The works, which will address the stone work, guttering, eaves, and water goods of the north aisle are being carried out by Martin Brooks Roofing of Sheffield under the auspices of architect Andrew Boyce of Ferrey and Mennim.
Commenting on the works, Fr Adam said: “As the new Parish Priest, I am amazed at the energy and care that has renewed St Lawrence’s in recent years. This grant from Historic England is a very timely support to our creative and hardworking community. The quality, traditional worship of this landmark church is a sign of the faith that will sustain us through these difficult times and enable us to look to the future with hope.”
For several months, St Lawrence has been streaming some of its services and recording special services during the lockdown and closure of churches, including its Sunday evensong, ensuring that parishioners who are shielding can continue to be involved with services at St Lawrence.
The church, which dates to 1883, has in the past 15 years seen Heritage Lottery funding support vital work to the roof and spire, and projects that have installed new heating, re-wired the building, and added sound systems.
It is the largest religious building in York aside from the Minster, and is an increasingly popular concert venue thanks to the quality of its acoustics.
The £25,000 award was the maximum amount eligible from the scheme.
