ST Edmunds Church in Kingsbridge is on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk register due to deterioration in the building.

St Edmunds Church has a thirteenth century tower and the church was rebuilt and rededicated in 1414, with restorations and extensions occurring in 1849 and 1896. Currently, the church has issues with stonework around one window needing attention, staining on the walls and ceiling due to water getting in.

Duncan McDonald, churchwarden, explained that the two stained-glass windows in the south wall were removed, all the lead was replaced, the stonework around the outside was repointed and they were replaced last year. This job cost £70,000.

Now there is a window in the west wall that needs attention, and another in the vestry. The south-westerly winds have eroded the stonework in the windows on that side of the church, overlooking the churchyard, and a gulley was clogged and caused water to rush into the back of the church last winter.

Duncan called it a ‘constant battle against the decay of the church’ and said they had applied for a Government grant for the last two years. Although recommended for a grant by the assessment panel had unfortunately lost out on both occasions to other churches.

St Edmund’s Church has a fund set up for people to donate to if they would like to help with the work needed on the building. Cheques can be made payable to ‘KingsbridgePCC’ - Kingsbridge Parochial Church Council or there is a donation box in the church near the door. For more information, you can contact Duncan on 01548 288348.