Rare timber-framed Shropshire church gets a crucial funding boost to stay open

A rare timber-framed church in a tiny hamlet right on the Welsh border with Shropshire has been saved thanks to two grants that means urgent repair work can be carried out.

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The church of St Peter in Melverley, north Shropshire, was built in 1406 to replace the original church that was burnt down by Welsh Chieftain Owain Glyndwr five years only.

But St Peter today finds itself at devastating risk again – but this time from itself.

The church is a rare example of an early British church built of timber – local Melverley Oak – and whose entire structure is pegged together with wooden pegs, not one nail has been used. The beautiful oak timbers which surround every side of the Grade I Listed church are stunning and draw visitors from miles around.

But the timbers and their frames are now in a perilous state. These panels in particular pose a risk to the public as they are loose and could fall from height. The issue, caused by wind and rain damage, is also enabling water to penetrate the church – leading to damp and threatening the important heritage inside.

Fortunately the church is to share in an urgent pay out from the National Churches Trust – of more than £800,000 designed to keep UK churches open and in use.

The church of St Peter has been awarded a £3,000 grant from the National Churches Trust. On the recommendation of the National Churches Trust, the church will also receive a £9,000 Wolfson Fabric Repair Grant from the Wolfson Foundation. These grants are vital and mean that urgent repairs can take place at the historic church.

St Peter is on the Severn Way, the Shropshire Way and the National Cycle Route so it's not short of people who stop by at the church – as it’s open every day – as somewhere to rest and also to enjoy. The team at St Peter’s also run coffee mornings, plant sales, concerts and history talks. Following the repairs, the church will be a much more welcoming place for all to enjoy.

Claire Walker, Chief Executive of the National Churches Trust, said: "The National Churches Trust is delighted to be able to support St Peter’s Church to enable them to carry out urgent repairs to their beautiful building. Not only will this protect this important heritage, but it will help to keep the church building open and serving local people.” 

“Whether seeking quiet reflection, access to community services or a place to worship, the National Churches Trust helps hundreds of churches each year and with the support of local people, keeps them thriving today and tomorrow.”

Paul Ramsbottom, Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation, said: “Churches have a crucial role as places of worship – but they also serve as integral parts of our communities, and not least as custodians of heritage. We are pleased to continue our partnership with the National Churches Trust to help safeguard these important, beautiful buildings for future generations."

Sue Gittins, Church Warden at St Melverley, said: “It would be devastating for local and wider communities if the church were to close. The church timbers, many dating back to 1500, need continued attention due to age, westerly winds, floods and storms. The grant towards these urgent repairs and continued restoration will help to maintain the church’s heritage, continue strong links to the past and develop new relationships for the future.”

“The community of Melverley have deep seated feelings towards this unique place of worship as many of their ancestors worshipped here. The love for this church continues long after some members of the community may have left the area. This is often seen as I add photographs to the ‘Melverley Then and Now’ Facebook page, with many strong emotional replies relating to special memories of the community and church.”

“Through events and fundraising the church continues to develop close links with the community through our annual plant sale, coffee mornings and concerts. We welcome group visits including mother’s union, WI, history groups and local churches where I bring to life the story of the church from 1401. We are proud to welcome visitors and pilgrims from all over the world whether cycling, walking or by car as part of our ‘Five Church Trail’.”

In order to preserve and maintain the church, the timbers and their frames will be repaired.

Grade I Listed St Peter is a rare example of an early British church built of timber – local Melverley Oak – and whose entire structure is pegged together with wooden pegs, not one nail has been used. The beautiful oak timbers which surround every side of the Grade I Listed church are stunning and draw visitors from miles around. It is a fine 15th century church.