The Bishop of London, the Rt Hon and Rt Revd Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, has welcomed today’s announcement of the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund, which will see 15 churches across the Diocese of London receive a total of just over £2m.

Grants have been awarded to the likes of St Martin-in-the-Fields in Trafalgar Square and St James’ Piccadilly, enabling them to help retain jobs, maintain their sustainability in the midst of the pandemic, and preserve their heritage.

Bishop Sarah said:

“The Government’s generosity will save jobs and enable a number of our historic churches across the capital to continue to preserve their heritage for the benefit of all, as they continue to adapt to the huge challenges that the pandemic has created.”

St Magnus-the-Martyr, located near London Bridge, will be using its grant towards Covid-proofing measures, as well as its Living History project and the digitisation of its heritage.

Bishop Sarah continued:

“St Magnus is a shining example of London’s living history. Rebuilt as the capital recovered after the Great Fire, it was there for the local community in the wake of the Fishmongers’ Hall terror attack on London Bridge, just last year. So many of our churches across the capital were there for Londoners of the past, they are serving their communities during the pandemic, and these grants will help ensure they are there for future generations too.”