Grade historic church in Cornwall to get urgent roof repairs

St Grada and Holy Cross Church at Grade Ruan on the Lizard Peninsula has been described as “at huge risk” due to its failing roof, which is leaving it exposed to the elements.

The timbers and slates are in such poor condition that water is often flooding the Grade I Listed church and debris rains down onto the pews.

Plants are also creeping into the church, growing between the stones and in the gaps in the walls.

Plants are even growing through the walls (Image: Steve Drysdale/National Churches Trust)

The remote location of the church means that it is constantly battered by high winds and rains, with the charity say it was “remarkable” the Victorian roof has lasted as long as it has.

The church is already on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register.

While the community has been desperately trying to raise enough funds to pay for urgent repairs – raising £90,000 to date, with £60,000 of that coming from community fundraising projects – so far they have been unable to get the work carried out.

Now the National Churches Trust has stepped in with a £30,000 grant for repairs to the 160-year-old roof, to help make the church watertight again.

The roof slates will be replaced and new gutters and drainpipes will be added.

Paint peeling from the damp walls inside (Image: Steve Drysdale/National Churches Trust)

On the recommendation of the charity, the church will also receive a £5,000 Wolfson Fabric Repair Grant from the Wolfson Foundation and £10,000 from the Headley Trust.

The Trust said: “The church is at huge risk and desperately needs urgent repairs to stay open.

“The local fundraising efforts have been heroic and innovative. Even the local schoolchildren have been involved, visiting the church and personalising new slates that will be used on the roof.

“But they are facing an uphill battle. Even the fundraising display in the church to tell people about the repairs has been destroyed by damp.”

There are a number of community groups – including a history society, choir and art group – that are keen to use the building once it is dry again, giving the church a sustainable future despite its rural location.

The church has not been restored since Victorian times (Image: Steve Drysdale/National Churches Trust)

Mary Keeley is chairman of the Friends of St Ruan and St Grade, who have been spearheading the fundraising efforts for the church.

On hearing the news of the grant she said: “I want to thank the National Churches Trust, Wolfson Foundation and Headley Trust for their generous grant awards.

“We have worked so hard in our tiny community to rescue this church which is held in such affection.

“Prior to this award, we had raised £90,000; £30,000 of this was from several small grants and £60,000 from the community – an astonishing commitment from a parish of under 1,000 people.

Weather damage due to the failing roof (Image: Steve Drysdale/National Churches Trust)

“This award represents a 50 per cent increase in our funds and has completely re-energised our campaign.

“We can’t wait for the work to be done so it can be a welcoming space once more and used for a variety of performances, exhibitions, and workshops that visitors and our community can enjoy.”

There remains about £70,000 to find of the initial £195,000 needed for phase one of the restoration project, in order for work to begin. 

The total cost for completion will be in the region of £300,000.

To find out more about the project and to donate to it visit www.friendsofstruanandstgrade.co.uk

Monday can be donated via Bacs, by taking out a 'Friends' membership, or via the Just Giving page www.justgiving.com/campaign/StGradeAppeal where you can also 'buy a slate' for £10 (or 120 slates for £100) - £15 to have it personalised. 

Church warden Sheila Stephens, who is a member of the Parochial Church Council, said the grant had “exceeded all our expectations” and showed the community that their efforts have been worthwhile.

Claire Walker, chief executive of the National Churches Trust, said: "The National Churches Trust is delighted to be able to support St Grada and Holy Cross church to enable them to carry out urgent repairs to their beautiful building.

“Not only will this protect this important heritage, but it will help to keep the church building open and serving local people.

“Whether seeking quiet reflection, access to community services or a place to worship, the National Churches Trust helps hundreds of churches each year and with the support of local people, keeps them thriving today and tomorrow.”  

History of St Grada and Holy Cross

The story goes that Sir Roger Wallysborough, a Cornish crusader and pilgrim, travelled to the Holy Sepulchre and stole a fragment of the True Cross – the one that Jesus of Nazareth was crucified on.

However, when travelling home, Wallysborough was shipwrecked on the Lizard coast and gifted the True Cross fragment to St Grada church in the 13th century. The church was then renamed St Grada and Holy Cross.

Others suggest that St Grada and Holy Cross church was built in 13th century to mark this event.

The story first appeared in a book in the Tudor times by John Coleyns, from London, who studied the Bible.

The finely engraved font, made from light granite, still survives from the 13th century.

The nave and chancel were rebuilt in 1862. Inside the chancel is a pulpit and lectern that incorporates polished serpentine from local works in Carleon Cove.

A Victorian restoration of the church retained the original ‘devil’s door’ – a crude door leading outside of the building that would be opened during baptisms to let evil spirits escape.