Great Chishill DCC (responsible for the care of St Swithun’s church) is delighted to announce the award
of £29,700 from the Heritage Lottery Fund. This first-round funding means that HLF has endorsed the outline proposals and earmarked funding, as well as contributing towards the costs of the initial work.
Once we know what restoration work is needed we will submit detailed proposals to HLF in a second-round application later this year. St Swithun’s is an important example of an intact medieval parish
church, whose history is strongly linked to that of the village. The church is grade II* listed, reflecting the significance of its architecture and heritage.
The tower has suffered various mishaps over the years; it caught fire (affecting the roof and floor under the bells) in the disastrous fire of 1798, when 80% of the village was destroyed. The tower began to crumble badly in 1884 and the top fell off in 1891.
It was rebuilt in 1896-7 at a cost of £865, but without the original spire. Now it is suffering serious damage as a result of water penetration through the upper flint walls, especially the East face. You can read the full press release below.