Cornwall Historic Churches Trust
The Cornwall Historic Churches Trust was formed in 1955 to assist in the restoration and repair of Cornish churches that have architectural or historic merit. The Trust is a registered charity and churches and chapels of all denominations are eligible to apply for assistance.
Patron: HRH The Duke of Cornwall
President: The Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall
Vice President: The Right Revd the Lord Bishop of Truro
Honorary Life President: The Right Hon Viscount Falmouth
Registered Charity Number: 218340 www.chct.info Cornwall, four-fifths of churches are pre-1550. From the Trust's foundation document it was recognized that: "The churches are still there, still praying through the storms and the rains. We must not let down the past which has loved and cared for them".
The essential task is to support these historic buildings but also to give help to churches built after this period. By "church" we mean any church, chapel or other building used for public worship for the time being.
From the outset the Cornwall Historic Churches Trust's priority has been to raise money and publicise the urgency of the need to make our churches weather-tight, but not to neglect the need to protect any artistic work.
Its funds are applied for "the preservation and maintenance, improvement, upkeep, beautification and reconstruction of churches in Cornwall and of monuments, fittings, fixtures, stained glass, furniture, ornaments and chattels in churches and churchyards". The Trust has limited capital and resources and its work can only continue and be effective through the continuing generosity and support of both the people of Cornwall, and the many kind and benevolent friends and family from beyond its borders who share the love of this County and its Christian Heritage.
Would you like to support us?
The simplest way is to join the "Friends of the Cornwall Historic Churches Trust", and an application form is available from the secretary whose contact details are below, or you can download one from from the section below.
You will also automatically be invited to special annual ‘Friends' visits to two historic churches with a guide and tea, and to other select events which the Trust holds.
Also, feel free to send any donation to the secretary who can provide gift aid forms.
Do you need our help?
If you are associated with a church in need of restoration/repair then write to the secretary, explain the problem, and you will be sent an application form to enable your organization to apply for a grant. At the moment our top grant is £5,000. In 2009 we disbursed £47,750
Application forms can be downloaded from the website by just clicking here.
Point of Contact
S J Coy, Honorary Secretary
Cornwall Historic Churches Trust
Dipper Bridge, Ruthernbridge
BODMIN PL30 5LU
01208 831906
mail@chct.info
Membership and Grant Application Forms
Friends of Cornish Churches Application for Membership (PDF 77.73kb)
Cornwall Historic Churches Trust - Grant Application Form (PDF 51.57kb)