MARDEN church has been offered a grant of £5,000 by the National Churches Trust for repairs to the chancel roof.

The chancel roof – especially the north side – has been deteriorating rapidly as evidenced by falls of mortar, slipped tiles and ingress of water.

In addition the architects are concerned about cracks appearing in the corners and associated water damage to the roof timbers.

The repairs are estimated at £75,000 and it is expected work will begin at the end of this year.

The estimated cost, the lowest of four quotations, is much higher than anticipated and, consequently, the award reduces the pressure on the already stretched fabric repair fund.

Under the chancel liability arrangement, much of the costs will be met by the church commissioners in London, however, without this grant, the PCC liability would still remain daunting.

In the recent past more services have been held in the chancel where seating is comfortable, lighting is better and sound is improved. It is appropriate, therefore that the walls, ceiling and roof should be in good condition.

St Mary’s church owes its existence to an episode in AD794 when King Ethelbert of the East Angles travelled to Marden with the intention of marrying the daughter of King Offa.

However, Ethelbert and his entourage were attacked at Sutton Walls and Ethelbert was beheaded.

His body was dumped on the banks of the River Lugg at Marden. On the spot where his body lay a spring of water appeared.

Offa, overcome with remorse for what had happened asked the Pope what he should do to expatiate himself.

The response was to build a place of worship over the spot where the body had lain.

The present church is not the original, being built in 1220, however the well can still be seen in the vestry today.

The Rev Paul Roberts, rector of the Maund benefice, said: “We are hugely grateful to the National Churches Trust who has helped us to safeguard our beautiful church building for future generations of worshippers, visitors and pilgrims alike.”