St James Church in Dry Doddington, Lincolnshire, has launched a desperate fundraising campaign to secure £100,000 for urgent repairs to its historic structure, which is famously known as the 'UK's Leaning Tower of Pisa'. The 12th-century building's distinctive tower tilts at a remarkable 5.1 degrees, surpassing the 3.97-degree lean of its Italian counterpart.
Critical Structural Issues Threaten Community Use
The church is currently facing severe structural problems that have forced its closure to the public. The floor has become dangerously uneven, with extensive sections of rotten timber and a significant woodworm infestation. These conditions have made the building unsafe for hosting community events, which has been a significant blow to local residents who rely on the space for gatherings and activities.
Fundraising Efforts Underway
Church warden Richard Loynes has taken the initiative to address these pressing concerns by launching a GoFundMe page dedicated to raising the necessary funds. The £100,000 target will cover essential repairs including leveling the floor, replastering interior walls, and upgrading the electrical system to modern standards.
Future restoration plans extend beyond these immediate needs. Additional work is planned for repairing the east window and other structural elements to ensure the long-term safety and preservation of this Grade-II listed building. The community hopes these efforts will allow them to reopen the church doors and restore this architectural treasure to its former glory.
The leaning tower has become a local landmark and tourist attraction, drawing visitors curious to see Britain's answer to Pisa's famous tilt. However, without these crucial repairs, the building's future remains uncertain, potentially losing both its structural integrity and its role as a community hub.
