St Edmund's Church in Dudley, a historic Grade II* listed building, is set to undergo major restoration after nearly two decades on the Heritage at Risk register. The church, locally known as Bottom Church, is one of seven places of worship in the Midlands to receive funding through the new Places of Worship Renewal Fund, part of the government's £1.5 billion Arts Everywhere Fund.
Funding for Essential Repairs
The funding will support essential repairs to the church's roof, drainage systems, and early 18th-century stonework. St Edmund's, which was originally a medieval church, was completely rebuilt after its semi-destruction in 1646 during the Civil War. The church is known locally as 'Bottom Church' to distinguish it from 'Top Church' St Thomas with St Luke to the south at the top of the hill.
Baroness Twycross, heritage minister, said: "Nothing tells the stories of our nation quite like the historic buildings at the heart of our communities. But too often they are a far cry from their former glory with leaking roofs and crumbling stonework. Thanks to this funding, the much-loved buildings that fill our hometowns with character will be keeping the doors open to communities for years to come."
Places of Worship Renewal Fund
The Places of Worship Renewal Fund aims to protect historic religious sites in areas with the greatest need, helping to secure their future. St Edmund's is among several sites in the Midlands benefiting from the funding. Other recipients include Birmingham Cathedral, which will use the funds to address deterioration of its tower and dome, and St Paul's Church in Birmingham.
Other places of worship in the Midlands to receive funding include Our Lady's Lillington in Leamington Spa, St Patrick's in Birmingham, St Mary de Castro in Leicester, and St Stephens Church in Sneinton, Nottingham.
Heritage at Risk Capital Fund
The Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, now in its second year, also supports buildings in urgent need of restoration. In the Midlands, the fund is helping to revive Burslem Market Hall in Stoke-on-Trent, which has been vacant for more than 20 years. Once restored, the market hall will be transformed into a venue for themed markets, theatre productions, music and dance performances, and festivals. The fund is also supporting the Bretby Art Pottery Showroom in Woodville.
Both funds are delivered by Historic England. The Heritage at Risk Capital Fund is supporting additional national heritage sites, including Dover Castle, Brodsworth Hall in Doncaster, and Osborne on the Isle of Wight, all of which will receive essential repairs to secure their long-term preservation.
