At our September Trustee meeting, we were delighted to award 22 new grants coming to a total of £443,070 from our Preservation and Conservation programme.
From safeguarding the future of the last surviving 19th-century porcelain factory in the United Kingdom, to putting ‘Humpty’ back together again ready for the launch of Newham Heritage Centre next year, the Pilgrim Trust is working to preserve and restore the diverse heritage and culture of these islands. Our latest awards include restoration of key heritage features of one of the UK’s most iconic modernist seaside community venues in Bexhill-On-Sea and plans to enhance heritage and community hubs in Doncaster, Belfast, Norfolk and St Ives.
From urgent repairs to specialist investigations, all of our grant-giving is designed to enhance wellbeing through cultural heritage and social initiatives across the UK.
Owston Ferry Heritage Society – £27,300
To stabilise the roof of The Old Smithy, a Grade II listed Victorian Smithy and Engineering shop built in 1859, safeguarding the future of this heritage and community resource.
The De La Warr Pavilion Charitable Trust – £20,000
To help restore three key heritage features: the original light fixture, the original clocks and the distinctive illuminated EXIT signs featured in this iconic modernist seaside community venue.
The Friends of St Michael’s Churchyard Stone – £25,000
To support the restoration and repair of the Grade II* Jervis mausoleum in St Michael’s churchyard, enabling the wider community to learn about the history of the historically significant Admiral John Jervis.
Sinfonia Smith Square Hall – £25,000
Towards repair of the only surviving 18th Century timber oak staircase in one of the UK’s most important historic concert venues, improving visitor access and engagement with the building’s history.
Scottish Historic Buildings Trust – £25,000
Specialist timber decay survey to inform the most suitable repair and conservation proposals for the rare 17th Century hammerbeam roof of the A-Listed historic Tron Kirk building commissioned by Charles I.
St Ives Community Land Trust Ltd – £15,000
To support the capital works to repair and convert the Grade II, 1824 Wesleyan Chapel and School Room now known as St Peters Street Studios into affordable studios for local crafts and art workers.
Nantgarw China Works Trust – £30,000
For specialist surveys towards safeguarding the future of at risk Nantgarw China Works, the last surviving 19th-century porcelain factory in the United Kingdom.
Hi Mill CIC – £30,000
Urgent repairs to protect the internal fabric and surviving industrial features, of Grade II* High Mill, the only surviving watermill designed by eminent engineer John Smeaton.
Devon Historic Buildings Trust – £13,250
For a condition survey, specialist conservation advice and a prioritised programme of works to secure a sustainable future for Haldon Belvedere, an 18th-century Grade II* folly.
Compton Verney House Charity – £15,000
Towards conservation of the historic Adam Hall marble floor. Specialist surveys and targeted repairs will stabilise the floor safeguarding the future of this rare surviving original interior feature.
Belfast Buildings Trust – £30,000
Specialist surveys and expert reports to help develop the next phase of works aimed as regenerating the Carlisle Memorial, a Grade B+ listed former Victorian Gothic Church into a vital community and cultural asset.
The Burton Constable Foundation – £25,000
To help conserve and repair the east elevation turrets and cupolas of Grade I listed Elizabethan country house, Burton Constable Hall.
The Garage Trust Limited – £30,000
Urgent repair works to the Grade II-listed, Carnegie-commissioned library, built in 1904, making the building fit for use as a creative and cultural community hub for local children and young people.
Thirlestane Castle Trust – £10,000
Towards urgent restoration of Thirlestane Castle’s 17th century entrance to prevent water ingress and protect the historic fabric and collections.
St Philip’s and St James’ Episcopal Church – £30,000
Restore and conserve the nationally important murals in the chancel of St James’ Church, dating from the Scottish Arts and Crafts period, to ensure their long-term preservation.
Norwich Historic Churches Trust – £15,000
To help repair and upgrade the tower roof and supporting structure to Saint Simon and Saint Jude’s medieval Church securing the long-term conservation of this important Grade I listed former church.
Bluebell Railway Preservation Society – £15,000
Structural timber repairs to Bluebell Railway’s 1880 Kingscote signal box ensuring the long-term conservation and continued operational use of this late Victorian structure.
Sowton Village Hall – £5,000
Towards the cost of a new thatch roof for Sowton Village Hall. The new roof will secure the future for another 25-30 years of this 1700, Grade II listed former parish school, which now serves as a vital community asset.
Bristol Aero Collection Trust (Aerospace Bristol) – £16,720
Conservation of the ‘NZ5911 Bristol Freighter’, a British twin-engined cargo aircraft built in the late 1940s and deployed in Singapore during the Cold War. Once restored, this aircraft—the only surviving example in Europe—will be displayed at the Aerospace Bristol museum.
London Borough of Newham – £10,800
Conservation of Queen Mary’s Hospital for the East End Nursery Rhyme Tiles, illustrating the story of Humpty Dumpty. Once conserved this rare surviving architectural feature from the original hospital will go on permanent public display for the first time in over 40 years at the Newham Heritage Centre due to open in 2027.
Gloucester Cathedral – £20,000
Towards the conservation of ten stained glass windows in Gloucester Cathedral’s 14th century Great Cloister. Designed by three leading Victorian glass makers and depicting a range of biblical scenes, the high-quality craftmanship will be secured for the long-term future.
West Somerset Railway Association – £10,000
To help restore the tyres of a BR Standard Class 4MT steam locomotive which was built in the 1950s. Once fully restored this important heritage asset will operate passenger services on the West Somerset Railway.
Feature image: (c) Richard Jarmy / The Garage Trust Ltd