GOVERNMENT GRANT SECURES CATHEDRAL’S WINDOWS FOR THE FUTURE
Storm-damaged windows at Lichfield Cathedral have been repaired and secured for the future thanks to the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund created to help fund repairs during the coronavirus pandemic.
In Spring 2020, the high winds of Storm Ciara resulted in one of the trefoil windows high upon the medieval Cathedral to blow inwards, shattering on the floor. Emergency temporary repairs were carried out - during which it was found that all the trefoil windows on the south side of the Cathedral would be susceptible should a similar storm hit Lichfield.
Thanks to a grant of £10,000 from the Government’s Culture Recover Fund, the windows have been repaired and recently WallWalkers - a rope access company specialising in historic and listed building conservation - scaled the walls of the Cathedral to re-install the glass, securing it for the future.
Grants of up to £25,000 are being allocated to cherished heritage sites, like Lichfield Cathedral, across the country to cover urgently needed maintenance and repairs. This vital funding comes from a part of the Culture Recovery Fund called the Heritage Stimulus Fund and is administered on behalf of the government by Historic England.
Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, said: “These grants will help the places that have shaped our skylines for hundreds of years and that continue to define culture in our towns and cities. We’re protecting heritage and culture in every corner of the country to save jobs and ensure it's there for future generations to enjoy.”
Duncan Wilson, Historic England Chief Executive said: “Historic places across the country are being supported by the Government’s grants awarded under the Culture Recovery Fund. This funding is a lifeline which is kick-starting essential repairs and maintenance at many of our most precious historic sites, so they can begin to recover from the damaging effects of COVID-19.
“It is also providing employment for skilled craft workers who help keep historic places alive and the wheels of the heritage sector turning. Our shared heritage is an anchor for us all in these challenging times and this funding will help to ensure it remains part of our collective future.”