TaVISTOCK Catholic Church’s impressive 100ft tower built of Hurdwick stone is about to get a major repair to the tune of £340,000 thanks to funding for nationally important heritage properties.

The grant is part of the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund from the Government.

The Catholic Church of Our Lady and St Mary Magdalene, situated at the bottom end of Callington Road, is a Grade II* Listed building and as a church built in 1865 primarily for the miners, comprises part of Tavistock’s heritage.

The work will include repairing the lead covered louvres at the top of the tower and a new belfry floor installed inside of the tower. Some of the Hurdwick stone is crumbling and must be replaced. The owners of Hurdwick Quarry have kindly agreed to supply stone as necessary.

To access the top of the tower, scaffolding has been erected right to the top and this will be visible from most parts of the town. The scaffolding will stay in place until the work is completed by June 2022.