A much-loved Monmouthshire church is to share in a £421,000 funding pay-out from the National Churches Trust to help pay for urgent repairs.

St Stephen and St Tathan church, Caerwent is one of the earliest Christian sites in the county.

And a £3,730 National Churches Trust Gateway Grant will help to pay for repairs to the Grade II listed church’s porch roof and masonry.

The church also receives a £10,000 Wolfson Fabric Repair Grant from the Wolfson Foundation on the recommendation of the National Churches Trust.

Broadcaster and journalist Huw Edwards, vice president of the National Churches Trust, said: “I’m delighted that St Stephen and St Tathan is receiving a Christmas funding boost for urgent repairs.

‘‘This will safeguard ancient and unique local heritage and keep the church open and in use for the benefit of local people.

“Whether seeking quiet reflection, access to community services or a place to worship, the National Churches Trust helps hundreds of churches each year and with the support of local people, keeps them thriving today and tomorrow.”

Paul Ramsbottom, chief executive of the Wolfson Foundation said: “As well as being places of worship and buildings of beauty, churches sit at the heart of the community. In many ways they stand between the past and present.

‘‘We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the National Churches Trust to support the preservation of these significant, much-loved historic buildings across the UK.”

The church is a veritable treasure-house of Roman history. When the present church was erected in the 13th century, its builders were fortunate in having a good supply of stone taken from the ruins of the Roman city known as Venta Silurum.

In the 15th century, the structure was restored and enlarged, and the porch and tower were added. The fabric underwent extensive restoration at the end of the 19th century.

G. E. Halliday restored the chancel (1893-4) rebuilt the south aisle and installed a new vestry in 1912.

The stonework features have great variety, reflecting the various stages of rebuilding and enlargement. Many examples of Roman and mediaeval carving have been incorporated into the walls.

The repairs will be to the porch, the main entrance to the Grade II listed building. It currently has a “safety cage” in it in case of falling timber, stone tiles, or masonry.

The Caerwent churchwardens and team vicar said: “As a congregation we are proud to be custodians of one of the most significant and historical ecclesiastical sites in South Wales, which also houses a collection of important Roman artefacts, including the unique Paulinus Stone.

‘‘Much of the building is constructed from the remains of Caerwent Roman settlement.

“The urgent repairs to our 15th century rebuilt porch would not have been possible without the generous grants awarded to us, such as those from the National Churches Trust and the Wolfson Foundation.

“Since our original application the damage to be repaired has increased significantly, so such help is appreciated even more. However, we look forward to being able to welcome all visitors again, once the work is complete, to worship with us and appreciate the beauty and history of this wonderful building.”

Fortynine churches across the UK will stay open and in good repair thanks to the £421,000 of funding awarded by the National Churches Trust in this latest round of grants. 

In 2022, the National Churches Trust has made over 200 grants to churches throughout the United Kingdom with funding totalling more than £1.6m.

This year, its funding also helped to remove 18 churches from the Historic England Heritage at Risk register.