We are seeing a new movement of using these spaces in new ways...

Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund

Substantial funding has been announced for some of the greatest cathedrals and churches across the UK, protecting them for future generations.

Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "We’re proud to continue to support the great cathedrals and churches within our communities. We are seeing a new movement of using these spaces in new ways – to engage with more people within our communities and ensure a sustainable future by providing different sources of revenue to support their upkeep."

Exeter Cathedral, Devon

Exeter Cathedral, one of Europe’s greatest medieval cathedrals, has been awarded a grant of £4.3m. Their 2020s Development Appeal will reimagine the cathedral's space and enhance its visitor experience.

Project highlights include:

• conserving half of this Grade I listed building
• creating a new cloister to connect the cathedral to the Chapter House and Pearson building
• a new Treasures Exhibition will bring together currently inaccessible collections from the cathedral’s library and archives, for everyone to enjoy
• providing essential and accessible facilities for all users, including new toilets and lifts

Birmingham Cathedral

Birmingham Cathedral has received a grant of £641,200 for their project, Divine Beauty. The project will focus on conserving some of the stunning stained glass windows by Pre-Raphaelite artist and Birmingham local, Edward Burne-Jones. The four world-famous windows are said to be some of the finest examples of Victorian stained glass in the world.

As part of the project, the cathedral has been thinking of ways to engage with both existing and new audiences in innovative ways. Starting in June 2022, a digital light and sound projection will take place during the Commonwealth Games, helping to highlight the windows' significance and offer people a chance to learn more about their heritage.

St John the Baptist RC Church, Rochdale

St John the Baptist RC Church, a Grade Il* Byzantine-style masterpiece in Rochdale, has been awarded a grant of £678,400. This will be used to complete essential renovations to the iconic dome and also engage the local community with the space. The dome is the setting for a magnificent mosaic masterpiece on the theme of eternal life.

St Macartan’s, The Forth Chapel in Augher, County Tyrone

St Macartan’s, The Forth Chapel in Augher, County Tyrone has been granted £123,539 to complete essential repairs to the bellcote. The project will also develop a marked heritage trail that will recount the history of the site from an early Irish Hill Fort to the church that stands there today.

Stottesdon Parish Church in South Shropshire

Stottesdon Parish Church in South Shropshire has been granted £271,500 for repairs to its Grade I listed building. This rural church has a community focus and will deliver a varied programme of activities and events to enable people of all ages to have fun and to develop new skills.

Find out more

Discover more of the amazing projects we've funded for places of worship, and if you're interested in applying for a grant, read more about our National Lottery Grants for Heritage.