St Peter’s Church, Horningsea, has secured more than £104,000 in grant funding for major restoration works aimed at preserving one of Cambridgeshire’s oldest places of worship for future generations.
The historic church, believed to have origins dating back before 870 AD, will undergo urgent repairs over the next three months, including the replacement of deteriorating Victorian floorboards and essential safety improvements to the church tower.
The project has received significant support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, alongside contributions from the Golden Bottle Trust and the Ely Diocesan Association of Church Bell Ringers Bell Restoration Fund.
Reverend Canon Nick Moir said the funding would safeguard both visitors and the church’s historic fabric.
“St Peter’s Church Council is so grateful to everyone who has contributed to providing these funds,” he said. “We will no longer have to worry about someone tumbling down from the tower or their foot falling through the floor.”
The overall restoration project is valued at approximately £130,000. The majority of the funding — £100,293 — comes from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and will be used to replace collapsing Victorian-era flooring throughout the church.
Additional grants of £3,000 from the Golden Bottle Trust and £1,197 from the Ely Diocesan Association of Church Bell Ringers Bell Restoration Fund will fund new ladders, balustrades, handholds, and repairs to broken louvres in the church tower.
A Church With Saxon and Viking History
St Peter’s Church has long been at the heart of Horningsea village life. Historical records suggest a Saxon Minster stood on the site before Viking raids reached the area in 870 AD.
Parts of the current church date from the 13th and 14th centuries, while the oldest surviving artefacts — ancient tomb lids — date back to the 10th century.
Victorian restoration works carried out around 140 years ago included reconstruction of parts of the church and installation of the timber flooring now in urgent need of replacement.
Community Events to Continue During Works
Ahead of the restoration works, the Friends of Horningsea Church hosted a family-focused community celebration featuring singing, dancing, and picnics for younger residents.
The Cambridge City Young Bellringers also arrived by boat to ring the church bells before construction began and the bells temporarily fell silent.
Further heritage events are planned throughout the summer, including the “1766 and All That” exhibition in June, showcasing an altar cloth embroidered in 1766.
In September, villagers and visitors will also be invited to a Viking raid re-enactment commemorating the events of 870 AD, complete with longboats arriving by river.
Church leaders say the restoration project will help ensure the church remains a centre for worship, heritage, and community activities for generations to come.
