Government heritage grant of £639,064 set to save St Mary's

St Mary's Church, Eversholt Street, London NW1. Photo © Historic England Archives

Today, the Government and Historic England announced that £15 million in new funding is to be shared across 37 sites in England. Funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and led by Historic England, the Heritage at Risk Capital Fund will benefit projects in disadvantaged communities, creating jobs and community spaces.

St Mary's, Somers Town has been awarded £639,064. The church on Eversholt Street in the London Borough of Camden is a Grade II listed church that requires urgent repairs so it can continue to serve the local community. St Mary’s has been at the heart of Somers Town for 200 years, providing a place of worship and developing deep connections with people locally to offer much-needed community space and a place of sanctuary for those in need.

The poor condition of the Gothic-style building has meant St Mary’s has faced threats of closure and even demolition. This funding will address the most immediate work needed to the West Front, which is already under protective scaffolding. This will cover repairs to failing masonry, brickwork and joinery as well as repointing, cleaning and improved drainage. This vital work will enable the church to develop further phases of restoration to ultimately bring the whole building back to its former glory for the benefit of the community.