A much-loved Cumbrian church is to benefit from £421,000 of funding.

The money comes from the Wolfson Foundation’s Wolfson Fabric Repair Grant, which assigned £10k to the Grade II* listed All Saints’ church in Orton, on the recommendation of the National Churches Trust, by which the funding was awarded.

The money is to be used for stonework repairs, re-rendering, and mortaring.

Huw Edwards, vice president of the National Churches Trust, said: “I’m delighted that All Saint’s is receiving a Christmas funding boost for urgent stonework repairs.

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

“Whether seeking quiet reflection, access to community services or as 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.” 

All Saints’ is a Grade ll* listed parish church. 

The building was begun in late 13th century, and restoration work was carried out in 1878 when a chancel and north aisle were rebuilt in dressed stone and ashlar.

The church’s square tower, which was built in the early 16th century features stepped buttresses to about two-thirds of the height of the castellated tower.

The bell-chamber has six re-cast bells plus two bells added in 1917.

Three older bells are located on the floor of the north aisle towards the rear of the nave, the oldest of which is dated 1530 and was cast by John Woolley.

The chancel east window has a stained glass set within perpendicular tracery depicting Christ's Ascension and All Saints’ has an octagonal stone font dating from 1662.

However, recently the church is suffering from water damage and dampness in the tower.

Unless the work is undertaken, water ingress to the tower will cause severe structural damage.

Keith Capp, assistant church warden the church, said: “The congregation of All Saints’ church and the people of Orton are extremely grateful for this grant from The Wolfson Foundation.

“To repair and make safe the tower will deliver a watertight building that will continue to provide not only a centre for worship and prayer but a place where the community can come together for a range of social events.”

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