Frequently asked questions

Here are a few answers to some of the questions we are asked most often. If you can't find what you're looking for here, or on the rest of the site, then please do not hesitate to contact us.

What is the Churches Conservation Trust?

We are the national charity protecting historic churches at risk.  We’ve saved over 340 special buildings which attract more than 1.5 million visitors a year.  With our help and with your support they are kept open, in use and free to all – living once again at the heart of their communities.

When and why were we set up?

We were set up in 1969 to care for Church of England churches no longer needed for parish use. All our churches are architecturally or historically important with most are Grade I or Grade II*. We currently have over 340 churches in our care representing 1000 years of history, craftsmanship, human aspiration, triumph and tragedy.

Why do churches come under the care of the CCT?

Churches are made redundant for a variety of reasons but principally because they are no longer needed for regular worship. There are a number of reasons for this:

  • demographic changes - many of our Medieval churches are in counties that were affluent in the Middle Ages and no longer have communities around them;
  • our town and inner city churches have sometimes lost their congregations as population centres have declined or moved elsewhere;
  • sometimes there are several churches in a parish which cannot all be maintained by a small community.

Our Regeneration team works with communities where there is a possibility that a church may be under treat, to look at new community uses and opportunities,

If you need further information about the legal process by which a church is made redundant, contact the Church Commissioners in the first instance.

Can I get married in a CCT church?

Yes, as long as certain conditions are met. A wedding in a Trust church requires a Special Licence from the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Registrar. The issue of this Licence is subject to rules which require the couple to demonstrate a connection with the church.

This means that one of the couple should have a long standing and continuing family connection with that particular church, or regularly help with its upkeep and care. As a first step, contact us in order to check availability and feasibility for use of the church you want to use.

We will help you make contact with the local incumbent who should be able to help you with your application to the Archbishop’s Registrar. The Trust charges a fee of £450 for a wedding in one of our churches. This is in addition to the fees payable to the officiating minister and for the Archbishop’s Special Licence.

A service of blessing following a civil marriage does not require a Special Licence, but you will need the local incumbent’s permission. The Trust's fee for this form of service is £300.

Unfortunately Trust churches cannot by law be registered for Civil Weddings and Civil Partnerships.

For further advice please contact us.

Do you keep the records that were in your churches?

When a church is vested to us, the records are deposited in the relevant county or diocesan record office. If you need to view these as part of family history research, the you should contact the diocese and you can find their details on the Church of England website.

Can churches be used for events?

We hold a wide range of events in our churches. Apart from services, they host art exhibitions, concerts, performances and other community events.

If you would like to hold an event in a particular church, then please contact us using our Event enquiry form.

How can I help support the CCT?

  • By visiting our churches, signing the Visitors Book when you do and telling your friends about the experience.
  • Attending services and events.
  • Make a donation - either in one of our collection boxes at churches or by sending this directly to us.
  • Become a Supporter
  • Volunteer - our churches thrive because of the people who keep them open, help run events or clean for us.

Find out more about how you can help support our work

Do you give grants for repairs to churches?

Unfortunately, we are not a grant-giving charity and much of our time is spent raising funds for work we need to commission for our churches. The Church of England have a website called Churchcare at www.churchcare.co.uk. This gives information on fundraising and grant sources.