First opened in 1866 (and later rebuilt after being destroyed by a fire in 1877), St Oswald’s Church remains one of the finest examples of a Victorian Church in our city today. Located on Fulford’s Main Street and designed by Darlington’s JP Pritchett junior, many of St Oswald’s original features can still be marvelled at today, including its stunning stained glass windows, gold mosaic, and stone carvings by Burstall and Taylor of Leeds.
Despite its illustrious past and important heritage value, the church has suffered from a lack of heating and facilities, but in recent weeks, this historic gem has proudly announced the receipt of a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant of £68,091, which will be used to carry out physical improvements to the building and its community facilities; this will include improved heating and the installation of an accessible toilet, kitchenette, and new internal porch. St Oswald’s vicar, the Rev Canon Sue Sheriff, said “We are delighted to have received the grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, the church will be a much more comfortable and welcoming space. No longer will people have to shiver in the pews in winter.”
Funding will also go towards funding research of the site’s history and an illuminating oral history project, which will be open to volunteers, visitors, and staff and students from St Oswald’s CE Primary School.
Call 01904 633261 or email vicar@stoswalds.church to find out more. Email treasurer@stoswalds.church if you’d like to donate.
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