Thieves have caused thousands of pounds of damage to one of Bristol’s most historic churches by stripping the lead from the roof.
Police are investigating the theft of around 40 square metres of lead from the roof of St John on the Wall church, on the edge of the old medieval city of Bristol.
The church is the only remaining one of five churches built into Bristol’s Saxon city walls, and still forms a gateway between the Old City at the end of Broad Street and Quay Street, near The Centre.
During the attack, earlier this week, the thieves also targeted neighbouring buildings, but the damage to the ancient church is greater than just losing the lead.
Because it happened on a night of heavy rain, there has been ‘substantial’ damage, and the whole roof may need replacing.
The church’s owners, Avon and Somerset police and the Churches Conservation Trust are working together to find the culprits, and CCTV is being scoured for clues.
The church is a landmark building in Bristol's historic city centre - earlier this month, Bristol City Council unveiled a new lighting and restoration project for the church.
The lights glow different colours during the night, lighting up both the spire and the arches which are still an important walkthrough connecting the Old City within the walls and Quay Street.
A fundraising appeal has been launched already by the Churches Conservation Trust, and they hope the Bristol will rally round this landmark building in its time of need.
“Sadly the interior roof void has sustained substantial water damage as a result and the roof timbers are likely to need removing and replacing and the exterior stonework is also showing signs of water damage,” said a CCT spokesperson.
“St John's is an incredibly historic and important church. In the twelfth century there were five churches built into Bristol's Saxon city walls, acting both as part of the city's defences, and as places for travellers to offer prayers before a journey.
“St John's is the only one that remains. It is through St John's that Queen Elizabeth I entered into the city.
“We have our emergency maintenance team on site who are fixing temporary roofing to the church and are strengthening the security systems on site. Repairs are likely to cost several thousand pounds,” she added.
The Churches Conservation Trust are asking people to donate to the trust's work here, or text a donation.
To donate £1, text STJOHN to 70201
To donate £3, text STJOHN to 70331
To donate £5, text STJOHN to 70970
To donate £10, text STJOHN to 70191
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