Our History…
The Church of St Peter and St Paul has stood at the heart of Northleach for at least 800 years. One of the Cotswolds finest ‘wool’ churches, it is celebrated for its light, created in part by the improvements made possible by John Fortey in the 15th century, and the almost complete absence of stained glass windows.
Why the Friends are needed…
Established in 2005, the Friends of Northleach Church exists solely to fund the repair and restoration of the fabric of the church building,
Contrary to popular belief, the Church of England does not contribute to the upkeep of parish churches - they are deemed the property of the parish and responsibility for their upkeep lies solely with the local Parochial Church Council.
Our story so far…..
In 2005 the Friends’ raised in excess of £400,000 to carry out the extensive repairs required to the clerestory windows, and since then several other restoration and conservation projects have been supported.
In 2019 the Friends funded the £6,000 repair, restoration and modernisation of the church clock.
In 2022 the £38,000 repair of the lead-covered roofs and overhaul of the stone slate chancel roof.
And also in 2022, the £22,000 replacement of the weathervane post and regilding of the cockerel and cardinals.
What next?
There is always work to be carried out on a building the size of Northleach Church - and now is no exception.
The lead work on the Lady Chapel roof needs to be renewed and we are taking the opportunity to not only renew and repair, but also take advantage of the latest techniques and materials to insulate and install fixings for future solar panels, This is anticipated to cost about £80,000,
How you can become a Friend
For as little as £20 per year…
