Project to save medieval church gets funding boost

A project to convert an underused medieval church into a joint place of worship and community hub has secured a boost from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Grade II-listed St Peter's in Fugglestone, near Wilton in Wiltshire, has not been used for regular church services since 2013 after its old fashioned gas lighting system failed.

The Wilton Sunrise Project to restore the 12th century building was launched over fears it could be sold to private developers.

The upgrade and repair works are expected to cost between £500,000 and £700,000 and the project has now received £20,000 from the National Lottery to help it get off the ground.

The Sunrise Project is a joint initiative between Wilton Parochial Church Council (PCC) and Wilton Community Land Trust (CLT).

The building currently has no water or electrical connection, and is also in need or urgent structural repair.

But Neil Prigent, chairman of the Wilton Land Trust, said work could commence in less than a year if fund raising efforts are successful.

He told the BBC the pre-development funding would be used to set up a formal project management body, engage with the public and bid for funding.

Mr Pringent said: "It is nice the National Lottery have confidence in the project at this early stage."

But to be eligible for further Lottery funding, the Sunrise Project must raise 10% of the total amount needed itself.

The Wilton Sunrise Project argues the church is of national significance as poet George Herbert was rector there from 1630 until his death in 1633.

Herbert's guide to the role and responsibilities of a rural preacher, The Country Parson, became one of his most famous works.

In its opening lines, he wrote: "I have resolved to set down the form and character of a true pastour (sic), that I may have a mark to aim at."

Mr Pringent said the Sunrise Projects hopes the George Herbert Society, which is based at the University of North Carolina in the US, might help raise awareness of the campaign to save his former church.

A public meeting on the progress of the project is due to be held on 2 November at 10.30 at the Michael Herbert Hall on South Street in Wilton.