Cathedrals awarded repairs boost

Carlisle Cathedral's damaged east front will be repaired

Two historic cathedrals in County Durham and Cumbria have been given more than £120,000 for vital repair work.

Durham Cathedral's £65,000 will be used for repairs to the roofs and guttering on the Refectory and Librarian's Loft, where rare and valuable books are kept.

The £58,000 for Carlisle Cathedral will go towards a £100,000 project to restore the exposed and weather-worn east front.

The grants are part of a £1m English Heritage scheme for cathedrals.

When Durham Cathedral architect Christopher Downs carried out an inspection in 2004, he discovered an alarming level of deterioration in the roofs' 19th century lead sheeting.

Splits had developed and rainwater had caused damp stains and peeling paintwork in the rooms below.

Durham Cathedral houses ancient books and manuscripts

Assistant librarian Joan Williams said: "Ancient books and manuscripts can deteriorate very rapidly in damp atmospheric conditions, so it was vital that the roof repairs were carried out as quickly as possible.

"We have already had to cover two of the bookcases with polythene sheets where water comes through the roof after very heavy rain."

At Carlisle, the grant will help pay for repairs to the 14th Century tracery stonework and replace damaged sandstone blocks surrounding the window.

It will also see missing decorative carvings replaced and the gable wall repointed in traditional lime mortar.

The Dean of Carlisle, the Very Rev Mark Boyling said: "The cathedral means a great deal to local residents and is a landmark building in the city which delights its many visitors.

"We all look forward to seeing the east front restored in all its beauty."