This rural Church is listed Grade II* though upgrade to Grade I listed status is being considered. The Church dates from the 1400’s, the nave and tower being rebuilt in the mid 1500’s. The most remarkable aspect of this tucked away Church is the interior which has vestiges of wall paintings as well as a very fine painted medieval pulpit, and screen which is also painted but more altered than the pulpit. Le Page Architects have worked with the parish for some years and for all of that time helping to try and win grants.
The Church needed extensive repair and the PCC aspired to create a space that could be used more widely by the community as well as bringing in revenue to help make it more sustainable in the future. This in addition to providing better facilities for the loyal congregation. Having been unsuccessful with previous grants the Church worked hard with the active support of Le Page Architects, to win a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The final interview for the grant was on zoom! They were overjoyed to receive the grant of just under £400,000 during the 2020 lockdown, this supplemented with other fundraising for the match funding. There is an explanatory video that explains the project here: https://eastprawlehistorysociety.co.uk/church-repair-project Work started on site in January 2021 and is due to complete in December 2021.
There have been interesting complications around structural and conservation repair, entailing 8m deep low impact piles to support the south porch, as well as repair to a reed reinforced plaster ceiling. Extensive repointing, upgrade of rainwater goods, other repairs to lead roof, and stonework repair to decayed windows has formed the majority of the external work. Interior works are wide ranging, involving the installation of an accessible lavatory unusually with a shower. This is so that the Church may be used for overnight accommodation for walkers and tourists https://champing.co.uk. Grant of consent to allow for a shower in a Church was extremely hard won but eventually allowed. A bespoke hideaway kitchen will mean that the Church can offer simple catering for a variety of events.
Conservation work to the medieval pulpit has been one of the highlights of the project. The success of the project is testament to the perseverance of the PCC in their quest for funding. Le Page Architects have been part of this journey from the start and are delighted that this lovely Church will now have a more assured future.
