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TAKE PART in a wide range of community heritage ACTIVITIES: something for everyone
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| talks, drama, family activities, competitions, … |
| LEARN about our local heritage – with newly created, informative digital RESOURCES |
| booklets, articles, stories, learning materials, videos |
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RESEARCH newly (re-) discovered, curated & digitised local ARCHIVE materials
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| historic records, photos, books, documents, … |
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VISIT St Leonard’s to see its TREASURES, with important mediaeval graffiti & wall paintings
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| displays, exploration trails, children’s activities |
| Flamstead Heritage: the story so far News: what’s going on the Team: about us Volunteering: getting involved this Website |
| Contact Us: get in touch Visitors’ Book: send us feedback of your visit Downloads: PDFs of our printed materials Notices: includes copyright, privacy, … |
Flamstead Heritage – the story so far
1. St Leonard’s has been at the centre of the Flamstead community for 900 years. It was built in stages during the mediaeval period, not always with best practice. As a “poor agricultural parish” in past few centuries, there were never enough funds to maintain it.
2. In 2017, our ancient, Grade 1 listed church was threatened with closure. Its heritage, with important mediaeval graffiti and wall paintings, and its roles, both religious and community, were threatened.
3. Death watch beetle and the ravages of time had destroyed the nave roof, with other repairs urgently needed.
4. By 2020 the Flamstead Heritage Project had been created, over £1m raised from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, through other grants, and from local matched funding. Major restoration building works were able to start.
5. Building work continued during the pandemic, but delivery of the associated heritage programme had to be suspended. By the end of 2021
- the nave roof had been restored,
- the south side clerestory windows repaired in stone, and other works completed,
- the wall paintings protected from water damage, and the church saved.
6. Between 2022 and 2024 we have been engaged in delivering an exciting programme of heritage activities, publishing informative materials including newly (re-) discovered archives, and providing explanatory displays within the church, making our heritage accessible to all.
7. Together with other projects that brought the church facilities from the 19th century to the 21st, St Leonard’s has been transformed. Alongside its traditional role, it is now an engaging place to visit and a popular venue for community events. An ongoing maintenance plan means it will be preserved for future generations.
8. St Leonard’s has been rescued, its heritage is being rediscovered, but there is still more to do. This website has more of the story.
News & Blog Posts
Flamstead Arts Festival – first details & save the date
The initial details of the Flamstead Arts Festival have been announced via our poster. It will take place on 6th to 9th June 2024. The full programme will follow in March and ticket sales will start in April. For now, save the dates.
More on Feb 15th replacement event
Re the previous post on Feb 15th, there will not be an event on Feb 15th to replace the expect lecture, except that the church will be open to view the newly returned bells: arrangements & times tbd. There will also be a bells blessing service on Sunday afternoon...