Hundreds of English churches 'in danger from harsh weather this winter'

Hundreds of English churches are at risk of destruction or closure this winter due to harsh weather linked to climate change, author and activist Bill Bryson has warned.

There are currently 900 churches registered on Historic England's "at risk" list.

Conservationists say the buildings need support to prevent and repair damage caused by rain, wind, snow and ice.

Heritage experts have also warned that many are being ravaged, especially because of climate change.

Mr Bryson, vice-president of the National Churches Trust, has told The Times that it was England's "national responsibility" to protect England's historic places of worship.

The NCT received a record 593 applications from churches for maintenance and repair grants last year.

This year, the figure has leapt by another 37 per cent, the paper said.

"Nothing embodies a quintessential Christmas like a historic church in the snow," Mr Bryson said.

"But winter is when these ancient and often fragile buildings are most at risk of serious damage from snow, ice, wind and rain.

"Historic churches are Britain's wonders of the world, yet they are more at risk from winter weather than people realise.

"I urge the British public to help protect historic churches... The winter would be bleak indeed without them."

Richard Carr-Archer, surveyor emeritus of York Minster and a trustee of the NCT, said: "The impact of climate change is seeing wetter and windier winter weather.

"Higher levels of rainfall, with more cycles of wetting and drying, cause damage to timber and stonework [and] stronger winds and more frequent storms threaten roofs, towers and spires."

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