Government heritage package helps support Delapre Abbey during pandemic after £140,000 grant

One of Northampton’s most valuable heritage sites has been given a crucial lifeline thanks to a major Government scheme.

Delapre Abbey Preservation Trust has been awarded £143,100 after successfully applying to the Cultural Recovery Fund (CRF) for Heritage, set up to help the country’s cultural gems during the coronavirus pandemic.

Two other heritage organisations have also benefited. 78 Derngate Northampton Trust has been awarded £38,400 and the Leather Conservation Centre, based in the Grosvenor shopping Centre, has been awarded £52,600.

Conservative MP for Northampton South, Andrew Lewer, said he was delighted at the award and how the money would protect a vital part of the area’s heritage and protect local jobs.

Andrew said: "Delapre Abbey is such a major part of the heritage of Northampton and the country and I am thrilled this money will help it weather the Covid storm and be therefore for future generations to enjoy.

“Not only can we learn so much and gain so much insight from our heritage, but it also provides jobs and a boost for the local economy in many ways.

“And, as we get through this unprecedented pandemic, places like Delapre and 78 Derngate and the tremendous work done there can undoubtedly play a part in our recovery."

The CRF is funded by the Government and delivered by heritage experts - the Historic England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund - to support organisations in England across the heritage ecosystem that are local and national treasures but have fallen on hard times due to the pandemic.

Today, more than £67m is being shared out among of 433 successful applicants from across England to help with key repair and maintenance work, and help sites operate and recover.

A number of famous sites across the country has been awarded funding including historical areas, buildings, monuments, collections, museums, archives and places of worship.

The package of support is the first round of funding from the Government’s £1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund. Today has also seen a dozen organisations, including English Heritage, the National Trust and the Canal and River Trust share £34 million from the Heritage Stimulus Fund to preserve visitor attractions.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “As a nation it is essential that we preserve our heritage and celebrate and learn from our past.

“This massive support package will protect our shared heritage for future generations, save jobs and help us prepare for a cultural bounce-back post Covid. I’m so pleased that we have been able to help provide a lifeline to these local cultural gems.”