St Peter's Church in Gamston joins the CCT family
Today we welcomed St Peter’s Church in Gamston, near Retford, into our growing collection. It’s the 353rd historic church to come under our care, and it has a fascinating history.
A medieval building saved by George Gilbert Scott
The earliest surviving elements of this beautiful stone-built church date from the 13th century, but there is believed to have been a church on the site from at least the end of the 12th century. The 14th-century tower houses a complete ring of six bells, said to be of exceptional significance. In 1855 Sir George Gilbert Scott carried out an extensive restoration, including work to the roofs and to the interior fabric, fixtures and fittings.
Looking to the future
St Peter’s closed for regular worship in November 2015, bringing its future into doubt. Now we are working to ensure it is kept safe for years to come.
The Grade I listed church requires substantial repair work, including the complete re-roofing of the nave, chancel and porch, masonry and timber repairs, and conservation of interior fixtures and fittings. This will cost in the region of £1,300,000 and the church will need to close for up to two years while the work is completed, although we will hold a number of special open days during that period.
Once the work is finished, the church will be reopened to visitors once more and brought back into the heart of the community. We’re looking for volunteers to help keep this delightful building open to all, and to organise events and activities that will engage and welcome people. As Peter Aiers, our CEO, put it:
We are delighted to welcome such a charming and historically significant church into the care of CCT. Once we have repaired this building it will be open for all to see and use. We cannot do all of this on our own - we need the support and help of the local community to help ensure that the building remains a vital asset to the village and welcomes visitors from near or far.
Celebrating the new vesting
We’re hosting a special event on Saturday 24 March to mark the vesting of St Peter’s. At the event, visitors can meet staff and find out more about the planned conservation and repair work. Feel free to stop by between 11am and 2pm. More details here.
We’re looking forward to caring for this charming church – and welcoming more people to it!
