All Saints Church – known as the Old Church – dates from the 12th century, and formed part of the Annesley Estate. It is one of only two Grade I listed buildings in the Ashfield District.

The project will conserve what remains of the church buildings, making the site more accessible for visitors and enhancing its value for wildlife. The project will also include activities to engage with the local community and provide training and skills for local community groups.

Gloria de Piero, MP for Ashfield, said: “This is brilliant news for the area and is a great tribute to the work of everyone who worked so hard to secure this funding. It shows that we are mindful of the proud heritage that exists in our community and ensures that Annesley Old Church will continue to be preserved for generations to come."

Emma Sayer, Head of HLF East Midlands, said: “Annesley Old Church is one of Ashfield’s heritage treasures, and is much loved by the local community. With the HLF support, work can now begin on preserving this beautiful medieval church so that visitors from near and far have the chance to enjoy and explore these fascinating remains.”

The church is mentioned in the works of Lord Byron, who often stayed at Annesley Hall, and D H Lawrence who wrote that “…in the obscurity rots the Hall Church, black and melancholy.” Over time, the church site has become a haven for wildlife, with notable species to be found including the purple orchid, coral fungus, green woodpeckers, barn owls and several bat species.

Alongside the works to the building structure, the project will install audio listening posts and information boards, so that visitors can learn about the history of the church and its past importance. Students from Kirkby College will also be involved in creating a DVD documenting the project and telling the story of the church.

Notes to editors

Pictured above (left - right) are Steve Carroll, cabinet member for Culture Regeneration and Housing at Ashfield District Council, Joan Bray, and Greg Pickup from HLF.

Further information

Please contact Roland Smith at HLF, on 020 7591 6047 / 07713 486 420 or rolands@hlf.org.uk.