St Mary’s Church, Wirksworth will be making essential roof repairs this Spring, thanks to a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant of £120,000. Alongside the repairs, people will be given the chance to find out about the work, tour the tower and try their hand at heritage crafts found in the church.

The Grade I listed church was put on Historic England’s ‘Heritage at Risk’ register in 2019, because of the ‘poor’ condition of the roof. St Mary’s sits at the heart of the historic market town and is an important part of its identity. It’s also the first point of call for many visitors, so a new exhibition will help people understand more about St Mary’s unique heritage and connections to the town’s lead mining history.

With the town’s main annual celebrations stemming from the church traditions of Well Dressing and Clypping, the project will encourage the wider community to connect with the church’s heritage. More repair work will be needed in future to make sure St Mary’s is no longer ‘at risk’, so building the support of the whole town will be vital.

Commenting on the award, the rector, Canon David Truby said:

“We are delighted to have received support from National Lottery players for this important project, which will restore the nave roof for generations to come. We also want to make the wonderful heritage of St Mary’s more accessible to the wider community and visitors alike.” Anne Jenkins, Director, England, Midlands & East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, added:

“Thanks to National Lottery Players, we are delighted to award St Mary's Church, Wirksworth with a grant that not only carries out urgent repairs, but will also welcome new visitors, meaning this important heritage will resonate with the community for years to come.”