London’s St Mary le Strand has been awarded £4.6m by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to transform the Jewel in the Strand. This is part of £7.4m of funding for four historic churches, and former churches, to secure their futures, share their heritage and create opportunities and much-needed spaces for communities.
The funding marks a significant milestone for the Jewel in the Strand project which will restore and redevelop the 18th century building and gardens of Grade I Listed St Mary le Strand.
In the heart of London surrounded by galleries, theatres and restaurants and in a newly pedestrianised area, St Mary le Strand has millions of passersby each year. The project will enable the church to welcome more of these people through its doors and become a focal point of Westminster’s growing cultural hub.
The National Lottery funding will help to open up accessible spaces for communities and groups of all faiths and backgrounds to use the historic building. It will also create opportunities for volunteers, students and young people to get involved in the future of St Mary le Strand.
The 300-year history of the church will be a golden thread throughout the project. As well as restoring the historic building, the project will explore the stories of the people who have passed through its doors and lived or worked on its doorstep. Activities will include researching those who are buried in the Crypt, exploring its role as the official church of the Association of Wrens and Women of the Royal Naval Services and following in the footsteps of those who have walked the historic processional route (which includes St Mary le Strand) between Westminster and the City.
Canon Peter Babington, Priest in Charge of Mary le Strand said:
“We are hugely grateful to the players of the National Lottery. This generous grant will help transform St Mary le Strand for generations to come and to become once again the Jewel in the Strand.”
Ruth Duston OBE, OC, Chief Executive of London Heritage Quarter said:
“St Mary le Strand is a much-loved landmark at the heart of the Northbank district and the transformed Strand Aldwych, and we are delighted to see this wonderful funding awarded. This investment will not only help secure the church’s future but will also enrich the cultural life of the area for everyone who lives, works and visits here.”
Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:
“Places of worship are among the UK’s most treasured historic landmarks, serving as gateways to our shared heritage and vibrant community life. Thanks to National Lottery players, these grants will allow each place of worship to take ambitious steps to reimagine how these spaces can inspire and benefit the people around them.
“The festive period is a time when many people come together, and the funding for these four places of worship will truly put community at their heart and secure a sustainable future. This investment ensures their heritage will be protected, celebrated, and enjoyed by everyone, now and for generations to come.”
The other places receiving funding today are St Mary Magdalene in Stockland Bristol, Somerset, St John the Baptist Church in Nash, South Shropshire and St Monans Auld Kirk in Fife.
