NATIONAL LOTTERY BOOST FOR HISTORIC BISHOPSTONE CHURCH: £248,000 AWARDED TO SAVE MEDIEVAL NORTH TRANSEPT

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) of St John the Baptist, Bishopstone, is delighted to announce it has been awarded a grant of £248,280 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. This very significant investment will fund a major reconstruction project to save the church’s failing North Transept roof and secure the future of one of Wiltshire’s most significant Grade I listed heritage assets.

The North Transept, a 14th-century architectural masterpiece known locally as the "Farmers' Aisle," has been under threat due to severe structural failure in its roof trusses. The urgent repairs will not only preserve the historic fabric of the building—often compared to Salisbury Cathedral for its fine Chilmark stonework— and the significant memorials it contains, but will also allow this part of the church to reopen for wider community use.

Securing a Sustainable Future The reconstruction project is designed to go beyond simple maintenance. By stabilising the structure it will enable the PCC to:

• Widen the building’s role: Reclaiming 25% of the church's seating capacity previously cordoned off for safety.

• Increase community access: Creating a versatile, more inclusive, space for concerts, exhibitions, and local gatherings.

• Ensure longevity: Implementing modern ventilation and structural improvements to protect the building from the impacts of climate change.

A Community Effort The award follows a dedicated local fundraising campaign. The "Bishopstone Church Roof Appeal" and the Friends of Bishopstone Church have already raised over £58,000 through community events ranging from organ recitals to "Rocket Science" talks. This local support was instrumental in securing a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

"We are thrilled to have received this support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund," said Church Warden Sarah Seal on behalf of Bishopstone PCC. "This building has been the heart of our community for centuries. Without this grant the future use of the church as a place of worship would have been in doubt. It ensures that its history is preserved while opening up new possibilities for how the space can serve Bishopstone in the future."

Anne Stutchbury, the Chair of the Friends of Bishopstone Church, said: “The church is a significant historic building and The National Lottery Heritage Fund grant ensures that it endures for the enjoyment of generations to come.”

Stuart McLeod, Director of England - London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Thanks to National Lottery players, we’re delighted to support the restoration of the North Transept at St John the Baptist Church. This remarkable building has been at the heart of Bishopstone for more than 700 years and this project will secure its future for generations to come. As well as protecting an outstanding piece of Wiltshire’s heritage, the work will open up new opportunities for people to come together, discover the church’s history and enjoy it as a vibrant community space.”

It is hoped to start work on the church in early Spring 2026.

About The National Lottery Heritage Fund

Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. That’s why as the largest funder for the UK’s heritage we are dedicated to supporting projects that connect people and communities to heritage, as set out in our strategic plan, Heritage 2033. Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past.

Over the next 10 years, we aim to invest £3.6billion raised for good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people, places and communities.

heritagefund.org.uk

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ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH, BISHOPSTONE

Dating primarily from the 14th century, St John the Baptist is a Grade I listed church renowned for its cruciform plan and elaborate interior. It is a vital landmark in the Chalke Valley and a key site for both architectural historians and the local parish. More information about the church can be found in the Home/History section of this website and in the Guide Book referred to below.

North Transept

An investigation carried out in 2024 in the North Transept (see plan) highlighted major structural problems with the supporting roof trusses and an urgent need to repair the roof which is in danger of collapse. The North Transept has been cordoned off for safety. This situation has reduced the seating capacity of the church by 25% and made it unattractive (with the visible safety tape) for fund-raising activities such as concerts and weddings. It has also stopped access for visitors to view significant tombs and memorials in the church - including a tomb with a particularly large 14th century Merchant’s Mark and an elaborate monument to a 16th century rector. This has reduced visitor numbers. Overall, the closure of the North Transept has resulted in a general reduction in use of the building and impacted the PCCs finances.

The Development Project

The Bishopstone Church Restoration project is a major undertaking to save this part of the church from collapse. Repairing the failing structure, resurfacing the roof, replacing the transept ceiling and improving roof ventilation will save this heritage as a legacy of local and English history for generations to come and enable our planned activities to increase access and improve inclusivity.

Costs and fund raising

The costs of the repairs and associated improvements to expand and improve the way the church can be used are significant – in the order of £300,000. It is proposed to meet these costs through a combination of local fund raising by the PCC and by the Friends of Bishopstone Church and via applications for grant funding.

Details of the work of The Friends of Bishopstone Church are set out on a separate page on this website. Since the start of 2025 the Friends have undertaken a series of fund raising events in aid of the restoration project. These have included an Antiques Evening, Organ Recital, Open Gardens, Nearly New Sale, an Exhibition of Christening Gowns and two talks: one on the Troubles of Northern Ireland, and one on Introduction to Rocket Science. During 2026 they are planning many other events which will be advertised in STaB and on this website.

Funds are also being raised through the sale of a new Guide to the Church, a Church Jigsaw Puzzle and Project Tea Towels.

A new Guide Book to the church is being sold in aid of the Development Project (see Friend's Page).  An extract below provides more information on the North Transept of the church.