Holy Rood church in Daglingworth, Gloucestershire, a remarkable Saxon church that has stood resilient through wars, plagues, and the Reformation, is set to overcome one of its biggest challenges yet—the absence of toilet facilities.
For over a millennium, this Grade I listed building, dating back to the 11th century, has lacked basic amenities, causing discomfort and discouraging attendance at services. The congregation’s urgent need for accessible facilities has now been answered.
Supported by a £35,000 grant from the National Churches Trust, alongside an additional £5,000 from the Headley Foundation, Holy Rood will install an accessible toilet in the base of the bell tower and add a kitchen servery to the north aisle. These upgrades mark a transformative chapter for the church and its community.
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The lack of a restroom had made the church inaccessible and unwelcoming to many, reducing attendance and limiting its use as a community hub. The new facilities will enable the church to host groups such as mother and toddler clubs and provide refreshments after services, fostering social connections and combating loneliness.
Already open to visitors 24/7 and popular among walkers and tourists, Holy Rood is poised to gain a renewed vibrancy through these essential improvements.
The church’s rich history includes rediscovered Saxon carvings that predate the Norman Conquest, dating around 1050, making it an invaluable heritage site. The renovations not only preserve this legacy but also secure the church’s role as a welcoming gathering place for present and future generations.
Claire Walker, Chief Executive of the National Churches Trust, expressed pride in supporting Holy Rood: “This funding helps protect important heritage while ensuring the church remains a vital space for worship and community.”
Steve Brady, Churchwarden at Holy Rood, emphasized the community’s commitment: “Our improvements reflect a collective effort to keep the church at the heart of village life. These grants enable vital restorations and make the church accessible to all parishioners, from the youngest to the oldest.”
Holy Rood—open daily to the public—is not just a place of worship but a testament to enduring faith and community spirit, now enhanced by modern facilities that honor both its past and future.