The Yorkshire projects protecting historic buildings and bringing communities together
Thanks to National Lottery players, these historic buildings at the cornerstone of our communities will undergo essential repair and conservation work, as well as hosting activities for visitors to explore their histories.
We're supporting these fantastic projects to take vital actions towards ensuring a robust and more sustainable future for these heritage landmarks.
Helen Featherstone, Director of England, North, The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Selby Abbey’s The Origin Stories project, awarded £1m, will embark on a major repair programme to protect the fabric of the Grade I listed site and tell the story of its medieval origins.
The St Germain stained-glass window will be expertly restored and interpreted to better reveal its story of a French monk, who was inspired by a vision of St Germain of Auxerre to establish a new monastery in Selby.
New activities and events will ensure the place offers something for everyone. These will include traditional skills workshops in willow weaving, stained glass and embroidery as well as monastic chanting, graffiti workshops and biodiversity-enhancing garden practices.
Supporting treasured community spaces across Yorkshire
The seven other places of worship to have received funding recently are:
All Saints Hessle, awarded £229,768
The project will carry out critical repairs to the church including its 15th-century octagonal spire, still a symbol of Hessle today. Intergenerational events using film, art and dance will share the heritage with new audiences.
Hull Minster, awarded £113,562
To mark the 600th anniversary of the completion of the medieval church on the site of Hull Minster, there will be a programme of celebrations through music, exhibitions and festivals.
Sir Moses Montefiore Memorial Synagogue, awarded £41,450
The project will investigate the current condition of the synagogue, carry out emergency repairs and explore opportunities with the local community to share the story of Jewish heritage in Grimsby.
All Saints Parochial Church, Helmsley, awarded £138,169
This development award will help the church proceed with plans to involve new audiences in the conservation process through hands-on experience. As part of this work, All Saints has recently been granted Eco Church status.
St Martin's Church, Bulmer, awarded £248,504
The church is working towards a sustainable future by conserving its 14th-century tower and improving thermal efficiency, opening up the church to more people by strengthening community links and improving access.
St Thomas’ Church, Osbaldwick, awarded £15,236
The project is preserving, understanding and sharing a history of inclusion at the 12th-century Grade II listed church by recording local oral histories. The project will celebrate unique contributions to local heritage of the LGBTQ+ community, people experiencing mental health issues, pupils from local schools and the Roman Catholic community of York.
Bradford Cathedral, awarded £58,482
Local communities and visitors during Bradford UK City of Culture 2025 will be invited to co-create a breathtaking new tapestry. Using a loom installation, they will weave together the rich, shared stories of Bradford’s wool trade.
Helen Featherstone, our Director of England, North, said: “Places of worship are some of the most treasured historic buildings across Yorkshire and the north of England. We're supporting these fantastic projects to take vital actions towards ensuring a robust and more sustainable future for these heritage landmarks and forge new or stronger connections with their communities.”
Find out more
Discover how our support is helping other places of worship across the UK.
