Lincoln Cathedral, a magnificent structure that has graced the skyline of Lincoln since 1072, is facing significant financial challenges that could jeopardise its future. According to a recent report by BBC Lincolnshire, the Very Rev Dr Simon Jones, Dean of Lincoln, has warned that the cathedral is at risk of running out of funds necessary for urgent repairs. Operating at a cost of £15,000 a day, the cathedral's most pressing concern is securing the resources needed to preserve its historic fabric.
Dr Jones has been actively seeking additional support from the Church Commissioners and the government, emphasising the dire situation. "There will come a day that we will run out of money. That's the reality we face," he stated. The cathedral, which is currently listed on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register, is undergoing restoration work on the chapter house, with costs expected to reach up to £2.3 million. Meanwhile, the south side of the building is also in need of immediate attention, yet no funding has been secured for this crucial work.
The dean highlighted that while donations and grants provide some financial support, they are insufficient to meet the cathedral's ongoing needs. He pointed out that English cathedrals do not receive funding for their structural upkeep from the Church Commissioners, the Church of England, or the government. "The current funding model for our cathedral and all cathedrals isn't sustainable. It doesn't work," he remarked.
In response, the Church Commissioners noted that they have allocated over £48 million to support cathedrals from 2026 to 2028. Additionally, the Cathedrals Sustainability Fund has provided £20 million over the past six years to assist 34 cathedrals based on their income and specific needs. They also mentioned that funding is available for the stipends and pensions of cathedral staff, including the dean and two canons at Lincoln Cathedral.
Government funding for churches is also accessible through various heritage funding schemes, including a newly announced £92 million Places of Worship Renewal Fund aimed at supporting churches with capital grants for repairs. Furthermore, the National Lottery Heritage Fund offers additional grants for church restoration projects.
The cathedral faces substantial operational costs, with insurance alone amounting to a staggering quarter of a million pounds annually. Other expenses include energy bills, routine maintenance, cleaning, and salaries. Even simple tasks, like changing a light bulb, can require the use of a cherry picker due to the cathedral's vast scale.
In a positive development, Dr Jones shared that the cathedral has secured a three-year contract with a local green energy company, which is expected to save £40,000 per year on energy costs. He concluded by expressing the importance of the cathedral to the local community, stating, "The people of Lincoln have come here to worship and in times of celebration and sorrow for nearly a thousand years. It shines out as a beacon of hope over our city and county, and we want it to continue to do so."