Heritage group says more than 10 percent of England’s historic churches in bad state of repair

Report: 1 in 9 of histoic English churches at risk

LONDON — About one in nine of England’s historically important places of worship are in a bad state of repair, and rural churches tend to be in worse shape than ones in cities, according to research released Wednesday by a conservation group.

According to a sample survey by English Heritage, 11 percent of England’s 14,500 listed houses of worship were potentially at risk. A building that has been listed is considered to be historically important and is protected by law.

In rural areas, 13 percent of the houses of worship needed attention, compared to 9 percent of those in cities.

English Heritage chief executive Simon Thurley said they estimated that about 925 million pounds (about $1.4 billion) worth of repairs would be necessary for the buildings in the next five years. He said that yearly grants of about 40 million pounds ($60 million) help, but that congregations eventually shoulder much of the work — and the cost.

“The current climate of increased unemployment, low interest rates and reduced returns on invested capital make fundraising a greater challenge than ever,” Thurley said. “Some congregations are finding the responsibility harder to bear.”

Online:

English Heritage: www.english-heritage.org.uk/