Identify and understand the signs and causes of damage to sculptures and monuments found throughout church buildings and churchyards.

Monumental brasses are one of the most common forms of memorial surviving from the Middle Ages, and a good number survive in our churches. 

It is important not to overclean brasses, which can cause irreversible damage to the design. Make sure to inspect them regularly.

Just as prevention is always better than cure, maintenance is preferable to major repairs. But, such repairs may not always be avoidable. We can help you understand the common problems and areas that need your special attention, and give you tips for regular maintenance schemes.

Advice on how to support the wildlife in your churchyard

The Statutory Advisory Committee (SAC) gives independent advice to the Church Commissioners and the Churches Conservation Trust on heritage matters relating to closed and closing churches.

Churchyards display a variety of historic structures, many listed in their own right. The good management of a churchyard needs to take into account a range of issues, from the burial rights of parishioners to the wildlife management of the churchyard. 

The events of the past weeks in response to the tragic death of George Floyd have brought into focus the question of monuments to individuals who have participated in systemic and targeted discrimination or exploitation based on race.

The Closed Churches team aims to find new uses for churches that are no longer needed for worship. 

An outline of churches awarded Churchyard structure grants in November 2021

The Church of England’s Pensions Board has awarded a new national repairs and maintenance contract to OCS, a leading Hard Services and property maintenance solutions provider.