spirit of place

Church heritage is more than an old building. It includes the stories, traditions, and local identity reflected in objects created, commissioned, and donated over generations. Recording these objects helps protect and celebrate the rich legacies of our churches.

Spirit of Place, supported by the National Heritage Lottery Fund, was conceived from the desire to protect and celebrate; the often forgotten or misunderstood heritage found within our church buildings.

The project aims to protect both the physical objects, re-discover the stories connected to them, and to share this heritage creatively with those who visit our church buildings.

The project consists of four main elements. Working with volunteers, the project will record, research, interpret, and communicate the historic, artistic, and commemorative importance of church objects.

Recording

  • Creating a digital database of photographs and descriptions of church objects. Following the 1–10 system.
  • Producing a lasting record for future custodians.
  • Protecting heritage from being forgotten, stolen, damaged, or lost.

Researching

  • Exploring the stories behind objects. 
  • Understanding their local, regional, and national significance. 
  • Supporting decisions about conservation, insurance, risk management, and future planning.

Interpretation

  • Developing engaging stories, displays, and activities. 
  • Helping visitors connect with the meaning and history of objects. 
  • Highlighting links between objects, the church building, and wider themes.

Communicating

  • Sharing stories in accessible and inclusive ways. 
  • Using interpretation panels, digital tools, trails, and pilgrim routes. 
  • Ensuring heritage is available to everyone, now and in the future.

The Spirit of place project is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we will be able to preserve Cumbrian church heritage for future generations.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund is the largest funder for the UK’s heritage. Using money raised by National Lottery players we support projects that connect people and communities to heritage. Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. From historic buildings, our industrial legacy and the natural environment, to collections, traditions, stories and more. Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past.

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