St Paul’s Church secures £209,000 Heritage Fund Grant for Tower, Clock & Bells Project

We are celebrating after being awarded a £209,948 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to support its Tower Clock and Bells project, thanks to National Lottery players.

The Revd Anthony Davis said the award was hugely encouraging:

“We are absolutely delighted. This gives us greater confidence to go ahead, knowing funding from the Heritage Fund is in place, and is also a huge boost in morale for those who have been working very hard on this project for a number of years.”

The project, which we now expect to start in the Autumn, focuses on the repair and conservation of St Paul’s historic tower, the clock, originally installed in 1811, and the 12 bells, arguably some of the finest in England, ensuring they can continue to serve the church and wider Bedford community for generations to come, while also preserving an important part of the town’s heritage.

Bishop Richard welcomed the news, saying:

“This is indeed very good news. Congratulations to all concerned.”

St Paul’s Church has a longstanding role at the heart of Bedford’s civic and community life, and the successful award underlines the value of its heritage as well as the commitment of those working to care for it.