A NATIONAL Lottery Heritage Fund grant of £1.432 million has been secured by St Dubricius Church, in Porlock, to save its rare oak-built spire.

The award supports the Porlock InSpired project to repair the church’s iconic oak-shingled spire and safeguard the building for future generations.

The £1.7 million project will not only repair the grade one listed church’s historic structure but also deliver a three-year programme of inter-generational 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 thought to be the only one of its kind in the country.

The shingles were last replaced in 1933 and are now failing, leaving 13th-century timbers vulnerable to water damage.

Rotting beams and damaged bell shutters also require immediate attention.

An aerial view of Porlock's St Dubricious Church with its rare oak-built spire. PHOTO: PCC and Freeline Gfx.
An aerial view of Porlock's St Dubricious Church with its rare oak-built spire. PHOTO: PCC and Freeline Gfx. (PCC and Freeline Gfx)

The 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.

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.

St Dubricius Rector the Rev Ann Gibbs 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.

Internals timbers in the spire of St Dubricius Church, Porlock. PHOTO: Freeline Gfx.
Internals timbers in the spire of St Dubricius Church, Porlock. PHOTO: Freeline Gfx. (Freeline Gfx)

“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.

“Projects like this are vital for rural communities.

“They create a shared sense of pride in what villages like Porlock have to offer.

“We have already seen incredible support through local fund-raising which exceeded our expectations.”

The project will also 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.

Weathered shingles seen up close on the spire of Porlock's St Dubricius Church. PHOTO: PCC and Freeline Gfx.
Weathered shingles seen up close on the spire of Porlock's St Dubricius Church. PHOTO: PCC and Freeline Gfx. (PCC and Freeline Gfx)

Working with partner organisations, the project will also address isolation among older residents through heritage-based wellbeing activities, while creating opportunities for inter-generational 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 First School will enable children to explore their local history, with research shared for the benefit of schools and the wider community.

Lottery director Stuart McLeod said: “What a fantastic legacy to be added to the church’s amazing history.”

Repairs are expected to begin shortly, once scaffolding is in place, with completion due next year.

St Dubricius will remain open and in use for most of the project.