Three At-Risk London Churches Awarded Over £1 Million for Essential Restoration
Three Grade-II listed churches in London are set to receive more than £1 million in funding to carry out critical repair works, aimed at preserving their historic structures and preventing potential collapse. The grants, awarded by Historic England, will support St Andrew's Church and the Sunday School at Union Chapel in Islington, as well as St Richard's Church in Richmond, ensuring these iconic buildings remain safe and functional for their communities.
St Andrew's Church in Islington: Saving a 170-Year-Old Spire
St Andrew's Church in Thornhill Square, Islington, has been granted £431,804 for urgent repairs to its deteriorating spire. This spire, visible from London City Airport, has been a landmark in the area for over 170 years but is now at significant risk due to ongoing decay. Currently protected by netting, the church had been fundraising for the project with support from figures like comedian Rob Delaney. Reverend Caroline Titley, Rector of St Andrew’s Church, expressed delight at the funding, stating it marks a turning point in their campaign to save the spire.
St Richard's Church in Richmond: Urgent Roof Repairs for a Unique Structure
St Richard's Church in Ham, Richmond, will receive £428,384 to address failing structural support in its roof, which is uniquely shaped like a Star of David. The church was forced to close in January 2026 after a timber survey revealed rotten main roof beams, posing a safety risk to the public. With this grant, internal propping will be installed to shore up the roof, preventing further deterioration until full restoration work planned for 2027/28. Vicar Simon Coupland emphasized the importance of keeping the building open for community use during this period.
Union Chapel Sunday School in Islington: Completing a Restoration Project
The Union Chapel Sunday School in Islington, part of a historic complex dating back to 1876, has been awarded £172,274 to complete an ongoing restoration scheme. This funding supplements a previous £2.3 million grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, initiated in 2023. The project includes repairs and improvements to enhance accessibility for the visually impaired community, ensuring the building can continue to serve as a cultural and educational hub.
Impact on London's Heritage and Community Spaces
These grants highlight the critical need for preserving London's architectural heritage, with all three churches playing vital roles in their local communities. The funding not only addresses immediate structural risks but also supports long-term sustainability, allowing these historic sites to remain accessible and functional. Historic England's investment underscores the importance of safeguarding Grade-II listed properties for future generations, combining restoration with community engagement efforts.
