A brief history of The Devon Historic Churches Trust…

The Devon Historic Churches Trust was founded in 1973 to protect churches and chapels of all Christian denominations in the county of Devon and Diocese of Exeter.

The Trust offers support for repairs and maintenance through advice and grants. The intention is, and has been for 52 years, to keep the historic churches structurally sound, look after their precious fabric and help with modernisation and reordering as needed. The trustees organise the funds and fundraising and manage the Trust as a registered grant giving charity.

Colour, vibrance, calmness, St. Michael’s Church, Chagford

The wealth of history with which we have been entrusted is a responsibility, which we have to accept. Future generations would rightly find it difficult to forgive us if we fail P Lasko 1972

Lord Coleridge was the first chairman of the trust, followed by Mr AF Philpotts until 1987 when he was succeeded by Air Commodore Neville. Lady Anne Boles followed from 1997 until 2013. Lady Burnell-Nugent has been the chairman for the last 12 years. The Bishops of Exeter have always been dedicated and strong supporters.

From 1993 to 1998 an appeal under the chairmanship of Viscount Knutsford created an endowment fund of almost £1M to put the trust on a lasting and sound footing. This happened following a great deal of fundraising and generosity. Lord Knutsford and Mr Nicholas Maxwell-Lawford were greatly effective and helpful for the trust at this time. In the last 15 years, the average number of grants per year, to individual churches, is 27 and average annual funds dispensed is £65,000. The numbers dropped significantly during the covid years.

The DHCT has remained a strong charity throughout the 52 years and has always had a committed and active team of Trustees, Assessors and Deanery representatives. There is also a dedicated group of Friends of the trust, several have been with us for many years. These are wonderful generous people who understand the needs of our many historic churches.