Dry Doddington's St James Church Faces Urgent Repairs Due to Leaning Structure

St James Church in Dry Doddington, Lincolnshire, is in urgent need of over £100,000 for repairs to its leaning structure, which tilts at an angle of 5.1 degrees—more than the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. The church, a Grade II-listed building constructed in the 12th century, has been a significant local landmark and a place of worship for generations.

The Guardian

Originally built as a "Chapel of Ease" to serve older residents, St James Church later became its own parish church. The tower, dating back to the 14th century, has experienced structural issues since the late 19th or early 20th century. A significant restoration effort occurred 11 years ago when £100,000 was spent to address erosion and safety hazards, but the building is once again in a precarious state due to a deteriorating wooden floor and shifting stone slabs.

The Guardian

Richard Loynes, the church warden, highlighted the urgent need for repairs on an online fundraising page, stating, “We need to replace the very old floor in our 14th-century church which has the famous tower that leans more than Pisa!” The current floor is described as uneven, with timber sections that are badly rotted and infested with woodworm. The restoration project aims not only to replace the floor but also to replaster some walls and upgrade the electrical system, which currently has only one plug.

The Guardian

Residents of Dry Doddington are actively involved in fundraising efforts to support the church's restoration. Loynes emphasized the challenge faced by many churches in raising funds, noting, “As with hundreds of churches we need to raise funds, but we’re as bad, if not worse than most, as we have a wonky floor.” The community's commitment to preserving this historical site reflects its importance to local heritage and identity.

The Guardian

The Lincolnshire parish council has acknowledged the church's historical significance and the need for restoration. They have provided information on the church's history and the ongoing fundraising efforts, emphasizing the importance of maintaining such a landmark for future generations.

The Guardian

While there are no significant dissenting viewpoints reported regarding the need for repairs, some community members have expressed concern about the long-term sustainability of funding for such projects, given the financial pressures many churches face.

The Guardian

The church's fundraising campaign is ongoing, with community events planned to raise awareness and funds for the restoration. The urgency of the situation has prompted local leaders to discuss potential partnerships with historical preservation organizations to secure additional support.

The Guardian

“The present floor is very uneven and the timber sections are badly rotted and infested with woodworm.” — Richard Loynes, Church Warden

The Guardian