In addition to the regular maintenance, the Friends have undertaken ambitious projects to carry out urgent repairs on All Saints’ Tower, to install modern amenities (kitchenette & equal-access WC) and to start an exciting heritage programme to appeal to a wide audience. The heritage activity programme is concentrated on three main areas: Art, History & Heritage, and Nature & Outdoors. There are many ways to participate, ranging from individual pursuits to group sessions, e.g tile designs, bat-watching, photographic projects, etc.

Although planning started in 2016, it took much time, fund-raising and energy to  make this happen, The church was closed for a year (2022-2023) to allow building work to take place. Built in 1500, the Great Tower has withstood the elements for nearly 600 years, but ensuring it remains standing for another six centuries required a significant programme of restoration. Scaffolding was erected around the Tower to give access to the parapets, pinnacles, stonework and other exterior parts that need replacing. Foundations and drainage were installed for the small extension on the north side that houses the much-needed amenities. 

Since re-opening in 2023, the church has seen a remarkable increase in local interest and visitor appreciation, A full programme of activities ranging from arts & crafts, history and art appreciation inside the church to exploration of the enormous churchyard and nature-based events, such as nest-building and leaf-printing which has attracted families, the young and old as well as special interest groups. Trails to explain items of special interest are hugely popular. Our new amenities make it possible to encourage many more people to visit the church. 

For up-to-date information on the programme please see
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Or email us at AllSaints_Activities_Brightlingsea@outlook.com

Kick-started by generous local fund-raising, mostly from  the Friends of All Saints’, over the past  few years other grants have been pledged by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Friends of Essex Churches Trust, Essex Heritage Trust, Benefact Trust, National Churches Trust and other funders to make our dreams a reality – the overall cost is now near £825,000. 

But we will continue to find ways to maintain and preserve our wonderful heritage – the next step is to restore the bells. We are fortunate to have two of the remaining Tudor bells as well as a set of tubular bells, which if restored could be rung for weddings, funerals and special events. We have to find at least a third of the funds ourselves, so local public support is vital.  Click here to find out how you can help.