English Heritage has unveiled the results of a major survey into the state of the nation’s great cathedrals, whilst also highlighting two West Midland cathedrals for undertaking striking projects in a new report.

The English Heritage Cathedrals Fabric Condition Survey 2009 reveals that:

-       cathedrals have spent more than £250 million on repairs since 1991 and almost all   critical work has been done.

-       they have spent nearly £90 million on repairs since 2001 and over the same period have spent nearly £90 million on new works to add to their splendour.

-       over the next 10 years cathedrals need to spend some £100 million on repairs.

-       six cathedrals still need to carry out major repair programmes in the next 10 years: Canterbury - £16m; York - £8m; Lincoln - £13m or more; Salisbury - £15m; Chichester - £10m; and Winchester - £4m. 

-       future repairs at Coventry, Hereford, Lichfield and Worcester Cathedrals could cost between £750,000 and £3.5m.  Birmingham’s two cathedrals and Coventry require works costing up to £750,000.

Tim Johnston, Regional Director of English Heritage, said: “The first national fabric survey in 1991 revealed that many cathedrals were in a dire state. The £250 million spent over the last 18 years on cathedrals has contributed significantly to the improved condition we see today. However, we still need to be vigilant as these great national treasures have a maintenance bill to match. “  

Between 1991 and 2009 English Heritage pledged over £50m for cathedral repairs, most recently with the support of the Wolfson Foundation. Total funding allocated to West Midlands cathedrals was: 

Birmingham CE - £187,000

Birmingham RC - £64,656

Coventry - £793,500

Hereford - £2,243,500

Lichfield - £1,602,500

Shrewsbury - £54,000

Worcester - £2,973,300

Today English Heritage also unveiled a new publication, Creativity and Care: New Works in English Cathedrals, which shows how 16 cathedrals are facing the future by commissioning exciting new projects.

Hereford Cathedral has been hailed for providing visitors with a chance to reflect on the ancient Christian tradition of pilgrimage. A series of artists were commissioned to focus on creating Shrines to St Ethelbert (8^th century King) and Thomas Traherne (17^th century) in the form of impressive stained glass windows. A vivid shrine canopy was also created as a celebration of St Thomas Cantilupe (Bishop of Hereford 1275). ‘Celebrating the Saints’ was largely funded by a number of individual donations and bequests, with particularly important contributions from the Friends of Hereford Cathedral, the Jerwood Foundation and local Freemasons.

Widening the use of cathedrals is a particularly important part of their contribution to the community, providing space for major events such as concerts, university degree ceremonies and civic services.

Lichfield Cathedral was praised for its new retractable altar platform, which enables an area to be levelled out when necessary and raised up to provide a focus for worship. The altar itself was also replaced by a simple oak and silver design and the excavation work revealed the famous Lichfield Angel – which is arguably the finest Anglo Saxon stone carving in existence.

Tim Johnston continued: “Cathedrals are inspirational places, but they need to be forward thinking and constantly review how they use these wonderful spaces. At Hereford Cathedral a series of artists were commissioned to increase understanding of and devotion to three saints associated with the church. Over at Lichfield, funding was used to increase the Cathedral’s presence in the cultural life of the city. The hydraulic, retractable nave altar platform has successfully increased the space for seating and performances. Both richly deserve praise in this fascinating new publication.”

The Rt Hon Frank Field MP, Chairman of the Cathedrals Fabric Commission at the Church of England, said: “Roman Catholic and Anglican cathedral authorities alike are not only custodians of past splendours: they can also be wise and willing midwives to future glories. We hope Creativity and Care will encourage cathedral bodies to think in the boldest terms about their building’s future, rather than scale down their ambitions to what they think will be approved.”

The publication, Care and Creativity, a gallery of images of new works, information on the Cathedrals Fabric Survey and how to apply for a grant, are all available on - www.english-heritage.org.uk/cathedrals2009 . Free hard copies of Care and Creativity can be ordered from English Heritage Customer Services on 0870 333 1181 customers@english-heritage.org.uk