St Laurence Church in Stroud has received a grant of £50,000 from The Julia Rausing Trust, providing significant early support for the restoration of one of Stroud’s most important historic buildings.
The grant is the first major charitable trust contribution towards St Laurence Restored: Preserving Stroud’s Historic Heart, a programme of conservation work designed to secure the future of the Grade II* listed church and remove it from Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register.
The funding will support essential repairs to the church’s roof, rainwater goods and masonry, helping to address the underlying causes of water ingress and structural deterioration. As the project progresses, the Angel Window – removed for safekeeping after movement in the surrounding masonry and currently replaced by a tissue paper version created by local school children – will become a visible symbol of the restoration journey, with its return marking one of the final stages in securing the future of the building.
St Laurence Church sits at the heart of Stroud’s civic, cultural and community life. More than 25,000 people use the building each year for worship, concerts, festivals, exhibitions, community activities and civic events.
The church is currently in the Development Phase of the St Laurence Restored project, funded through support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund alongside a significant contribution from church reserves. Detailed surveys, conservation planning and technical investigations are underway in preparation for a Delivery Phase application.
Shannon Newton, Fundraising Lead for St Laurence Restored, said: “The support of The Julia Rausing Trust is a significant milestone for St Laurence Restored and provides important early momentum as we prepare for the next stage of fundraising and project development.
“This generous grant demonstrates confidence in both the church and the vision behind the restoration project. St Laurence is one of Stroud’s most important historic buildings and plays a vital role in the life of the town. We are delighted that the Julia Rausing Trust has chosen to support its future.”
The restoration project will address long-standing issues with the church’s roof, rainwater goods, masonry and stained-glass windows, helping to prevent further deterioration and safeguard the building for future generations.
Alongside the conservation works, the project will involve volunteers, community groups, heritage specialists and local residents in exploring the history, stories and significance of the church and its surrounding area.
The grant marks an important milestone in the restoration project and provides a timely opportunity to launch a wider public conversation about the future of St Laurence. In the coming months, the church will invite the community to play its part in protecting and restoring one of Stroud’s most important historic buildings.
