Chesterfield’s Crooked Spire awarded ‘lifeline’ funding for important repairs

The Church of St Mary and All Saints has received £281,548 from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund.

MORE: Schoolboy's tribute to grandad and well-known Chesterfield man after his sudden death

It will be used to replace failing roofs over the chancel and side aisles of the church.

The money covers 80 per cent of the cost of the work, which is due to start at the beginning of January.

Reverend Patrick Coleman, vicar of the church, said: “The Crooked Spire is consistently among the ten greatest visitor attractions in the East Midlands, and brings in tens of thousands of visitors to Chesterfield in a normal year.

“As the premier tourist venue in Chesterfield, it is a significant national treasure, keeping at its heart the purposes of worship of God and telling the Good News of Christ, which are always its primary purpose, and – as visitors so often tell us – this makes the place so much more than a museum.

“The team at the parish church has worked tirelessly to make the building accessible and Covid-secure for all who visit for any reason, and this grant will enable us to ensure a safe and dry welcome, as well as making up for lost visitor income, and enabling us to continue our programme of investment in improving facilities within the building.”

The Crooked Spire is one of 445 heritage organisations across the country to receive a cash boost as part of the £1.57billion Culture Recovery Fund, which was set up by the Government in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “As a nation it is essential that we preserve our heritage and celebrate and learn from our past.

“This massive support package will protect our shared heritage for future generations, save jobs and help us prepare for a cultural bounceback post-Covid.”

Built in the late 13th century and finished around 1360, the Crooked Spire – a Grade I listed building – is the largest church in Derbyshire.

There are many weird and wonderful tales about why the spire is twisted – but in reality, it is believed the inclination was caused by unseasoned wood and heavy lead tiles.

MORE: Derbyshire businessman invents outdoor dining pods to help save hospitality industry

Editor’s message

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription at www.localsubsplus.co.uk or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.