Shrewsbury Abbey has today received a National Lottery grant of £216,900 towards the Shrewsbury Abbey - Saints and Stones - A 21st Century Experience project.
The grant, which has been awarded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), will enable the Abbey to carry out urgent stonework repairs, appoint a Heritage Officer, launch St. Winefrides Pilgrimage Trail and implement much needed improvements to the real and virtual visitor experience.
This award is in addition to development funding of £33,100 awarded by HLF, making the total National Lottery investment £250,000 towards the overall £470,000 cost of the project.
The Abbey is a Grade I listed building dating from the Norman Conquest. It has been awarded this funding for urgent high-level stonework repairs along three sides of this extraordinary mediaeval building. The repairs will prevent deterioration and, alongside the Heritage Officer, Pilgrimage Trail and Visitor Experience, will help the Abbey to continue to develop as a regional centre for performance, exhibitions and education, as well as daily worship.
The Abbey is now on the cusp of an exciting period of redevelopment which includes welcome pledges of £25,000 from the Garfield Weston Foundation, £10,000 from the National Churches Trust and £10,000 from the Shropshire Historic Churches Trust as part of the project.
The Abbey Church is among the largest in Shropshire and is a focal point for the county as well as the immediate locality. The original Saxon foundation developed into the late 11th century Benedictine Abbey and remained as such until the dissolution in 1540. Since then it has continued as a Parish Church, now serving a large tranche of North-Eastern Shrewsbury.
Following the dissolution, the east end disappeared for over three centuries until significant Victorian rebuilding replaced it, alongside the extraordinary artwork and the Leek Embroiders Guild frontal which greet visitors today.
The Abbey has significant memorials to the First World War, especially to the War Poet Wilfred Owen who lived in the parish.
Vicar, the Revd Paul Firmin, said: "This news is very encouraging. My hope is this National Lottery funding will contribute to a positive renewal benefiting a wide community - not only long-time parishioners and members of The Abbey and St Peters Monkmoor but the wider Shrewsbury and Shropshire area in refreshing, inspiring and accessible ways. I'm delighted this iconic building is being safeguarded by the award from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Alongside additional funding it will help ensure this historic place of worship continues to serve local people for years to come."