Photos: St Dubricius Church Parochial Church Council and Freeline Gfx
St Dubricius Church, Porlock has been awarded more than £1.4 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to restore its iconic oak-shingled spire and safeguard the building for future generations.
The award supports Porlock InSpired, a £1.7million project that will not only repair the Grade I listed church’s historic structure but also deliver a three-year programme of intergenerational activities designed to bring the whole community together.
At the heart of Porlock for centuries, St Dubricius Church is now in urgent need of repair. Its most distinctive feature is a rare truncated spire made entirely of timber and clad in oak shingles - believed to be the only one of its kind in the country. Last replaced in 1933, the shingles are now failing, leaving 13th-century timbers vulnerable to water damage. Rotting beams and damaged bell shutters also require immediate attention.
This once-in-a-generation project will repair the internal timber structure of the spire and fit new oak shingles to the whole of the exterior, re-slate sections of the church roof and conserve the historic reredos behind the altar. As part of the work, new solar panels and a modern heating system will be installed, transforming the church into a warm, welcoming and energy-efficient space fit for the 21st century.
Revd Ann Gibbs, Rector of St Dubricius Church said, “There are many theories about why the spire has its unusual shape - some more fanciful than others. The most likely explanation is that it was damaged during the Great Storm of 1703 and capped rather than rebuilt. Other ideas range from angry giants and distracted builders to fairies or a simple lack of funds. Whatever the truth, this spire is extraordinarily rare and deeply tied to Porlock’s identity. We must ensure it survives for the next hundred years and beyond.”
Alongside the conservation work, the project will deliver a three-year programme of events celebrating the church’s heritage. Traditional crafts will be showcased through demonstrations and school workshops, while hands-on activities will help bring the village’s history to life. The project aims to support the local economy and provide lasting social benefits.
Working with partner organisations, the project will also address isolation among older residents through heritage-based wellbeing activities, while creating opportunities for intergenerational learning.
Young people, who often face limited opportunities in rural areas, will benefit from a creative, environmental and skills-based programme designed to build confidence and broaden horizons. A partnership with St Dubricius School will enable children to explore their local history, with research from the project shared for the benefit of schools and the wider community.
Stuart McLeod, Director of England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Thanks to National Lottery players, we are delighted to support the Porlock InSpired project that will restore and celebrate the remarkable heritage of St Dubricius Church. Its rare oak-shingled spire is exceptional and this project will ensure it is conserved for future generations. Just as importantly, the project will bring people together - offering opportunities to learn new skills, explore local history and strengthen community connections in Porlock. What a fantastic legacy to be added to the church’s amazing history.”
Ann added: “Projects like this are vital for rural communities. They create a shared sense of pride in what villages like Porlock have to offer. We’ve already seen incredible support through local fundraising which exceeded our expectations. This project simply wouldn’t have been possible without the community or National Lottery players.”
Repair works are expected to begin in the coming months, once extensive scaffolding is in place, with completion anticipated in 2027. The church building will remain open and in use for most of the project.