Bid to repair tombstones (From Stroud News and Journal)

Bid to repair tombstones

TOMBSTONES dating back to the 16th century are badly in need of restoration - but it is unclear who will pick up the £50,000 bill.

Around 70 tombstones in the picturesque grounds of St Mary's Church, Painswick are in desperate need of repair.

Most of the monuments are listed, and 16 require planning permission before renovation can commence.

Over 400 years, the steel frames that hold the stonework together have rusted, causing them to expand. The stonework has cracked under the pressure.

But after 16 generations, family responsibility is no longer an issue. The church council was technically closed back in the 19th century, and normally the district council would take over the site.

However, residents of Painswick were unwilling to hand over control of the church, so it is now run by the parochial church council.

In addition, the footpath, which is used by residents and tourists as a short cut, has worn away and will cost a further £20,000 to replace.

Church warden David Harley said: "To try to get anyone to take responsibility is impossible.

"The tombstone collection is one of the most important in the country. Painswick is recognised as having not only the largest collection but the finest."

Mr Harley believes the English Heritage Lottery fund may provide some money towards the renovation of the monuments, but the church will still have to raise "a substantial amount" of the £70,000 total.

The site is believed to date back to Saxon times, with the current church being built in the 13th century.

Over the years it has been extended and renovated. A controversial restoration of gravestones on the site in the 1970s has made local councillors cautious about undertaking the work.

Cllr Peter Rowe of Painswick Parish Council, said: "I think you can do more damage to things by restoring them than by leaving them."

The church will now launch a campaign to raise funds for the restoration. Donations can be sent to: St Mary's Parochial Church, Lychgate Office, New Street, Painswick, Gloucestershire, GL6 6UT.