A MUCH-loved church in a village north of Ludlow is to share in a £437,000 urgent funding pay-out from the National Churches Trust.

A £15,000 National Churches Trust Cornerstone Grant will help to pay for much needed community facilities including a new lobby for toilets and installing a kitchen at St Peter’s, Stanton Lacy, ensuring the church thrives today and tomorrow.

Broadcaster and journalist Huw Edwards, Vice President of the National Churches Trust, says it will help protect an important part of the local heritage.

"I’m delighted that St Peter’s is being helped with funding for these modern community facilities including a toilet and kitchen," said Mr Edwards.

“This will safeguard unique local heritage and keep it open and in use for the benefit of 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.”

A beautifully proportioned cruciform church, St Peter’s was largely built during the Norman period (1066-1154), but parts of the nave and north transepts are Saxon (597-1066) in origin. The churchyard is probably older than the church itself and its semi-circular shape suggests it was once round and contained a Celtic church.

St Peter’s Saxon origins are still visible in the stonework in the west and north walls and part of the north transept, with its thin pilaster strips. The chancel is mainly 13th century with the tower and south transept built a century later.

Notable features include 14th century tomb recesses, one allegedly for Edmund de Mortimer; and a 17th century chest. Victorian developments include the windows, altar, reredos of Caen stone with beautiful painted panels. The church’s organ was installed in 1854.

Grade I Listed St Peter’s is the only community space in the village of Stanton Lacy. A £15,000 National Churches Trust Cornerstone Grant will help fund the building of a new lobby for toilets and installing a kitchen to enable greater community use.

“St Peter’s is a remarkable church that has served the local community for over 1,000 years," said Jennette Arnold OBE, Churchwarden and Vice-Chair of the Parochial Church Cou