HISTORIC Christchurch Priory has been awarded a grant of £230,000 from the Heritage Stimulus Fund to help it through the coronavirus pandemic.

It is one of 445 heritage organisations across the country set to receive a lifesaving financial boost.

The Priory money will help restart construction and maintenance on cherished heritage sites to preserve visitor attractions and protect livelihoods for some of the most vulnerable heritage specialists and contractors in the sector.

The grant will be used to help fund the next phase of a programme of conservation work.

These include repairs at the east end of the Priory Church to the stonework, window glass and rainwater goods of the Lady Chapel, as well as to the South Nave Aisle, South Transept and the Porch.

This vital funding is from the Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage and the Heritage Stimulus Fund - funded by Government and administered by Historic England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The Revd Canon Charles Stewart, Vicar, said: “The conservation of Christchurch Priory, a major Grade 1 listed church that dates back to the late 11th Century, is an on-going challenge and responsibility.

"The funding we have received from the Culture Recovery Fund is a wonderful support and encouragement for the next phase of our programme of conservation.”

Christchurch Priory is one of most important parish churches in the South of England.

It is one of only eighteen churches nationally to which Simon Jenkins, in ‘England’s Thousand Best Churches’, gives five stars.

The Priory Church’s size and significance within the local community means that it is the natural choice for many community, civic and regional services, celebrations and cultural events.

These include the annual Remembrance Day Service, the Scout and Guide St George’s Day Service and many Christmas services for neighbourhood schools, choirs and organisations, including Bournemouth Hospital.

The Priory will remain open during the period of the conservation works.

It is hoped that the Lady Chapel will re-open for worship and visits at the beginning of February.

Lucy Worsley, broadcaster, historian and Chief Curator, Historic Royal Palaces, said: “There’s no truer way to experience the past than to walk in the footsteps of those who have lived it – that’s why preserving our built heritage is so important.”