St Edmund Church in Egleton is put on the Historic England 'At Risk' register

Historic England has announced one of the area’s smallest churches has been placed on the ‘At Risk’ register because of serious damp and a failing chancel roof.

St Edmund, Egleton – a Grade I listed church featuring Norman carvings and arches – is facing an urgent need to replace the chancel roof covering as the existing lead, dated 1842, is allowing the gradual penetration of water.

Roof beams and internal plaster work are at risk of serious damage.

The church, having recently raised £15,000 for external masonry work to reduce damp and £5,000 to repair the nave ceiling to further preserve the fabric and prevent young bats falling to the church floor, now faces the challenge of raising £60,000 to replace the chancel roof.

Open every day, St Edmund’s holds two services each month working closely with the neighbouring parish of Hambleton and under the care of the Rev Chris Rattenberry.

Members of the congregation come from the village and elsewhere in Rutland.

Brian Chester, a member of Egleton's church council, said: “The church is greatly valued by those who worship here and the many visitors who call in – often pausing for a quiet moment during a walk or cycle ride around Rutland Water.

“The church council and church members work continuously to care for the building and the churchyard and we hope that our appeal for help will be heard by those who appreciate the efforts being made to enable the church to continue its one-thousand-year legacy of providing a unique place of calm and reflection.

“The church council has a Just Giving page for donations but please visit the church and spend a few moments in this peaceful place.”