Southwark’s cathedrals share £700k from WWI centenary fund

Southwark's two cathedrals are among 22 successful applicants receiving a share of £4.7 million made available as part of the First World War Centenary Cathedral Repairs Fund, a partnership fund between the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, ChurchCare and the Catholic Church.

The fund, which was announced in the Chancellor's March budget, will award a total of £20 million over two years.

The Roman Catholic St George's Cathedral has been awarded £380,000 from the fund towards the renewal of its heating system.

The Anglican Southwark Cathedral has received a grant of £325,000 for urgent repairs to the guttering of the nave and north nave aisle.

"The grant from the First World War Centenary Cathedral Fabric Repair Fund will enable us to do essential work on the roofs which will help make the cathedral a fitting place for the commemoration of the First World War and all the other events and services that draw people into this historic building," said the Very Revd Andrew Nunn, Dean of Southwark.

The Bishop of Southwark, The Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, said: "I am absolutely delighted that the cathedral has been given this support, which will further enable its mission and ministry."

Southwark Cathedral will host a First World War Vigil Service on Sunday 3 August, the night before the national commemoration service at Westminster Abbey.