Lincolnshire Church's Tilt Exceeds Leaning Tower of Pisa, Faces Floor Crisis
St James Church in Dry Doddington, Lincolnshire, boasts a tilt of 5.1°, slightly more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa's 3.97°. However, parishioners are grappling with a more immediate issue: a deteriorating floor that has become unsafe due to shifting stone slabs.
Historic Structure at Risk Again
Originally constructed in the 12th century as a chapel for elderly residents to avoid walking to Westborough, St James later became its own parish church. The tower, dating from the 14th century, is believed to have first moved in the late 1800s. By 2015, stone erosion threatened collapse, leading to a £100,000 restoration effort to stabilize it.
Now, the church faces another danger as the floor has worsened, prompting urgent calls for repairs. Church warden Richard Loynes emphasized the fundraising challenge, stating, 'As with hundreds of churches we need to raise funds, but we’re as bad – if not worse – than most as we have a wonky floor.'
Fundraising Efforts and Community Support
The parish aims to raise just over £100,000 to address the floor, replaster walls, and upgrade the electricity system, which currently has only one plug. In a recent initiative, parishioners hosted a joint Easter Fair, cafe, and egg hunt on Easter Saturday to gather donations for the restoration.
St James Church also holds historical significance, featuring a memorial to a 49 Squadron Avro Lancaster bomber that crashed near the village in November 1944. This adds to the cultural value driving preservation efforts.
Broader Context and Comparisons
In December 2022, a study revealed that the Leaning Tower of Pisa had straightened itself over the past two decades, highlighting the ongoing challenges in maintaining such iconic structures. The situation at St James underscores the broader issue of funding for historic church maintenance across the UK.
For those interested in supporting the appeal, contact Richard Loynes at richardloynes@btinternet.com. The community remains hopeful that with sufficient funds, they can secure the church's future for generations to come.
