Sir Christopher Wren is widely recognised as one of England’s greatest architects having composed designs for St. Paul’s Cathedral, Hampton Court and Kensington Palace. One of his celebrated projects, St. Bride’s Church in Fleet Street, London is now under threat of closure as the stonework is in desperate need of restoration which is being prevented by lack of funds.

The exquisite religious structure has stood for more than 300 years and acquired Grade I listed status however decades of erosion from the elements and 40 years of grime that have built up since the last deep clean have left carbon deposits an inch deep in some places. An appeal launching on 21st March, 2012 will attempt to raise £2.5m to restore St. Bride’s Church to its former glory through essential repair and conservation work to the gothic spire.

The Venerable David Meara, Archdeacon of London and Rector of St Bride’s commented on the INSPIRE! Appeal: “Since renovation work was last carried out, almost 70 years ago, the church has survived lightning, acid rain, smoky chimneys and extensive piling, as well as the ever present birds. The falling stonework is now becoming a grave concern and we desperately need these funds. We have committed £300,000 from our reserves, but need more.”