At risk Hertfordshire church gets £72k for repairs
The money has been allocated by Historic England
Historic England has awarded over £72,000 to support essential work one of Hertfordshires' most beloved landmarks.
The grant will fund conservation at the Old Church of St Mary and All Saints in Thundridge.
This funding marks the first crucial step in removing the site from Historic England's Heritage at Risk register.
A significant local landmark
The Old Church of St Mary and All Saints forms part of the Thundridgebury Moated Enclosure, a scheduled monument that includes the remains of Thundridgebury House. The church's 15th century tower, which features a 12th century doorway and 14th century window, is Grade II* listed.
The site has significant historical importance as the burial place of Reverend William Hughes (1781-1891), Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, Rector of St Mary's Ware and Thundridge, and Honorary Member of the Society for Affecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade.
Current condition and planned work
Following a survey carried out in 2023-24, partly funded by Historic England, the church was fenced off due to the risk of falling masonry and potential serious issues in the roof.
This new grant funds structural investigations and pre-development work, intended to lead to repair and conservation works.
The Rt Revd Jane Mainwaring, Bishop of Hertford, said: “The Diocese of St Albans welcomes Historic England’s generous support to help protect the Old Church of St Mary and All Saints. This historic church and tower—closely linked to the Revd William Hughes and his abolitionist legacy—hold deep spiritual and cultural significance in Hertfordshire.
"We’re especially grateful to the Thundridge Old Church Action Group, whose tireless work has been central to this effort. We look forward to seeing the site become a welcoming space for reflection, learning and wellbeing. Alongside Historic England and local partners, we’re committed to preserving this landmark so it continues to inspire and serve future generations.”
Dr David Blowers, Thundridge Old Church Action Group Chairman, said: “As a registered charity, TOCAG have a mandate to work with the Diocese of St Albans to find a sustainable future for the tower and remove the threat of demolition of this iconic ancient local landmark.
"We are inspired by our ongoing discovery of the extraordinary and nationally significant history of this thousand-year-old site and are deeply motivated to help share and bring this to life for the public.
"This fantastic grant award from Historic England is a crucial enabler for a future where the threat of demolition is removed, and the tower preserved, safe and with potential to become a remarkable community asset