HISTORIC places of worship in Monmouth are set to benefit from up to £72,000 of Welsh Government funding to protect, restore and bring them into modern use for future generations.

There are over 3,000 listed places of worship in Wales, which demonstrate the quality of their architecture and craftsmanship and their importance in cultural life over the centuries.

The future security of historic places of worship is currently under threat for many reasons, including declining congregations and the capacity to consider future options for them.

The funding will go towards restoring and protecting many historical places of worship, including widening public access to these and creating longer-term uses for them.

St Mary’s Priory Church in Chepstow is set to receive up to £40,000 to support a wider project to widen community use of the project to widen access, particularly to those with disabilities, and improve interpretation.

The funding will assist with repairs to the roof of the church and the rainwater goods.

The funding is part of a wider £1.2million funding package from the Welsh Government for historic buildings across Wales.

Announcing the funding, the Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Ken Skates said: “Historical buildings all across Wales are important in shaping our communities and telling the story of our past, while bringing significant economic benefits through tourism.

“Places of worship have been significant throughout Wales’ rich history and were once a very important part of our cultural life. This is evident from the number of beautiful places of worship in communities all across the country. At the moment around 10 per cent of listed places of worship are under threat and without support this figure is likely to rise.

“I am pleased that through this funding we are able to support the restoration of many of these places of worship and bring them back into their rightful places at the heart of their communities. In some cases we are helping them to widen public access and increasing community use, and in others we are breathing new life by looking at alternative future uses, all the while protecting these magnificent and historically important buildings for future generations to enjoy.”

St Cybi’s Church, Llangybi, will benefit from up to £31,926 to support a project to widen the use of the church for community events.

The Deputy Minister added: “There are significant social and educational benefits to these sites and I am pleased that we are continuing to support a range of projects both in and around Communities First areas.

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“Early this year I introduced the Historic Environment (Wales) Bill which will legislate to better care and protect our important historic buildings and monuments. I am pleased that through these grants we are already supporting exciting conservation projects right across Wales, which will lead the way in protecting our past for the Wales of tomorrow.”