The earliest recorded mention of the Parish Church of St Ives is in the Domesday Book of AD 1086, although this church would have been small and probably built of wood. By about 1150 this had been replaced by a stone building of which the nave was approximately the same length as at present, and further additions took place during the 13th and 14th centuries. In 1470 much rebuilding took place, including the nave and the north and south porches. The north porch was heavily restored in the 19th century.
maintaining
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The church is part of the heritage of St Ives, and is valued by many as an asset to the town, irrespective of religious belief, but the demands of maintaining a medieval building are heavy. During the past 15 years the church’s congregation has pursued a sound policy of maintenance which has included the re-roofing of the south aisle, redecoration of the interior, electrification and modernisation of the clock, and rewiring the nave, as well as a number of smaller projects. |
| A recent inspection of the fabric of the church revealed that there has been considerable movement of the stonework of the north porch, indicated by the position of the iron gates, and the large cracks visible internally if you look up when inside the porch. It is believed that this movement is largely due to the inadequate foundations of the 19th century restoration, and the church architect has advised that the porch should be rebuilt before the stage of imminent collapse is reached. This will entail the careful demolition of the porch to below ground level and reconstruction using the original material where possible. |
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total
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Our architect has obtained quotations for the rebuilding of the north porch, and the total cost is likely to be some £17,000 including VAT. The Parochial Church Council decided that restoration of the porch should be a Millennium Project and we intend to raise a substantial part of the cost from the church congregation. |
| We have been advised that English Heritage and the National Lottery only support larger projects, but we are seeking support from other sources. Huntingdonshire District Council have generously made a grant of £3,000 to the project and we now invite the support of townspeople and local business as well. All donations will be gratefully received. |
grants already
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give an extra
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Under the new Gift Aid rules, if you pay income tax and sign the Gift Aid declaration which is enclosed, the church will get £128 for each £100 donated at no extra cost to the donor. This declaration will also cover donations made in instalments. |
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This appeal was launched in September 2000, and we hope to have completed the work by Summer 2001. We will issue regular updates on the progress of the appeal and the rebuilding works. If you are a taxpayer and would like us to be able to reclaim the Income Tax paid on your donation, please fill in a North Porch Appeal Gift Aid Declaration. Further copies of this Declaration can be obtained from the churchwardens. Cheques should be made payable to All Saints St Ives PCC. For further information, please contact the churchwardens, or any member of the PCC, or visit our website.
Churchwardens: |