Byron church facing repair bill

The church could be too cold to hold services

The resting place of romantic poet Lord Byron may be closed to the public if money cannot be raised for repairs.

The old heating system at St Mary Magdalene Church in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire, has failed and must be completely replaced.

It needs £60,000 for repairs before winter - or the congregation may be forced to move elsewhere.

Byron, who died in Greece in 1824, was originally to be buried in Westminster Abbey, but the authorities refused.

Computer pioneer

Officials at the church said while much of the church was in good condition, the heating system has only ever been patched up.

Now the boiler and extensive network of cast iron pipes need to be removed and this was beyond the means of the diocese, they said.

A series of fundraising events are being held over the summer.

The church also holds the grave of Byron's daughter Ada, Countess of Lovelace, who worked with computer pioneer Charles Babbage.