This is a text-only version of an article first published on Friday, 19 September 2014. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
ALL Saints Church Hillesden, near Buckingham has received initial support of a £250,000 award from the Heritage Lottery Fund for the conservation, repair, development and promotion of the historic building, it was announced today.
The project will enable extensive and urgent remedial works to the masonry of the church to be carried out.
Crucial as it is, this remedial work is not an end in itself.
The project will also equip the church with a kitchen area and a toilet, both of which are to increase the use of the building by the local community. The project will involve both short and longer term opportunities for people to engage with the church's rich heritage.
In the short term, while the restoration work is in progress, there will be talks and master classes by the architect and mason to provide information about what is being done, why and how.
For the longer term, there will be a new printed guide to the church, a website providing information on history and current activities, tours led by a local historian and guide, a programme of retreats or quiet days, and, in liaison with local schools, an educational pack. The church was founded in the reign of Henry II, and the present building, which dates from 1493, was restored in 1875 by George Gilbert Scott, who was born in the neighbouring parish.
The hamlet was besieged by Cromwell's forces in the Civil War, and the scars are still to be seen in the church door.
Among its many superb architectural features, a particular treasure is an early 16th century Dutch window, the pinnacle round tower and carved angels around the Chancel roof.
Known as "the cathedral in the fields", the church is also a tranquil place of pilgrimage and retreat. The church was featured in the Door in March 2013 when we highlighted the need to raise £900,000 altogether as part of ongoing repairs. Vicar, The Revd Ros Roberts said: "We're delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has given us this support.
The church has been a place of worship, prayer and gathering at the centre of our community for over 800 years, and it's great to know that we are a step closer to preserving it for another century to continue our ministry of welcome and hospitality. "