Flamstead Heritage: the story so far

How St Leonard’s was saved & equipped for the future

Flamstead Heritage: the story so far

How St Leonard’s was saved & equipped for the future.

Centre of the Flamstead community

St Leonard’s has been at the centre of the Flamstead community for 900 years. It was built in stages during the mediaeval period, not always with best practice. As a “poor agricultural parish” in the past few centuries, there were never enough funds to maintain it.

2017: threatened with closure

In 2017, our ancient, Grade 1 listed church was threatened with closure. Its heritage, with important mediaeval graffiti and wall paintings, and its roles, both religious and community, were threatened.

Nave roof in danger of collapse

Death watch beetle and the ravages of time had destroyed the nave roof. Other repairs were urgently needed.

2020: funding secured & work started

By 2020 the Flamstead Heritage Project had been created.

Over £1m was raised from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, through other grants, and from local matched funding.

Major restoration building works were able to start.

2021: building works continue

Building work continued during the pandemic.

But delivery of the associated heritage programme had to be suspended.

2021 (Dec): works completed

By the end of 2021

the nave roof had been restored,
the south side clerestory windows repaired in stone, and other works completed,
the wall paintings protected from water damage,
and the church had been saved.

2022-2024: delivery of heritage activities

Between 2022 and 2024 we have been engaged in delivering:

an exciting programme of heritage activities,
publishing informative materials including newly (re-) discovered archives, and
providing explanatory displays within the church, making our heritage accessible to all.