Wardour Chapel

Project: Securing the future of a Grade 1 Listed Heritage Landmark - National Lottery Heritage Fund Development bid

Role: Heritage Consultant, Project Development Lead, Design Team Coordinator, Business Planning Consultant, Activity Plan Author, and Lottery Bid Writer

Wardour Chapel is one of England's most significant Catholic heritage sites, containing an exceptional collection of historic interiors and an important sanctuary designed by Sir John Soane. Following its inclusion on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register, the Trust sought to develop a major conservation and engagement project to secure the long-term future of the chapel and its nationally important heritage.

I was commissioned to lead the development of a £4 million National Lottery Heritage Fund Development Stage application, managing the project from initial concept through to submission.

A key part of my role was leading and coordinating the multidisciplinary conservation design team to develop the project to RIBA Stage 1. Working closely with architects, structural engineers, quantity surveyors, conservation specialists, ecologists and heritage consultants, I oversaw the preparation of conservation proposals, project costings, risk assessments and technical investigations required to establish a robust and deliverable scheme. This included coordinating consultant inputs, facilitating decision-making with Trustees, and ensuring that conservation priorities were aligned with wider heritage, learning and community objectives.

Alongside the development of the capital works programme, I prepared the full suite of supporting documents required by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. These included the Activity Plan, Business Plan, governance and management proposals, Fundraising Strategy, stakeholder consultation findings, project delivery framework (including all tenders, procurement strategies, risk assessments and timelines) alongside long-term sustainability planning.

I also undertook the preparation and writing of the funding application itself, bringing together technical evidence, heritage significance, conservation need, community outcomes and organisational capacity into a compelling investment case. The submission demonstrated how the restoration of Soane's dome and associated conservation works would be complemented by a programme of volunteering, learning, interpretation and community engagement, ensuring lasting public benefit.

The completed application established a clear strategic framework for the conservation of this Grade I listed landmark and positioned the Trust to secure major heritage investment for the restoration and long-term stewardship of Wardour Chapel.

Testimonial from Lord Talbot of Malahide (Chair of Wardour Chapel Trust)

“Wardour Chapel is a unique Roman Catholic Chapel in the heart of rural Wiltshire serving a large Catholic population.  It is considered to be one of the finest Grade 1 listed churches in the country, designed by Sir James Paine and Sir John Soane.  Unfortunately, due to a failing roof and compromised interior plasterwork, the Chapel went onto the ‘Buildings At Risk’ register and the Trustees were obliged to seek help raising approx. £4 million – way beyond our local fundraising capabilities.  Claire was recommended to us to help in our quest to find this large amount of money.  We have embarked upon an application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Claire has guided the Trustees and others through this very demanding and detailed process which required so many different disciplines.  This involved compiling reports commissioned by the Trustees.  These reports were from architects, structural engineers, activity planners, ecologists, quantity surveyors, art historians and conservation experts.  Her consideration and forensic understanding of the finances surrounding this large project was impressive and she managed to impart this information to the Trustees so that were all aware of every financial strand of this project through all the stages of the Lottery Fund application.  She had to work with a group of Trustees who, though willing and committed, needed educating and directing so that Claire could bring the whole thing together.  Her leadership, diligence, energy and attention to detail was exceptional.  On top of all that she is extremely good with people and a delight to work with.”  

Testimonial from Jenny Tozer (Project Lead & Trustee)

“Every National Lottery Heritage Fund submission needs Claire at the helm. Rarely have I worked with someone who has that magical mix of extraordinary professional leadership, drive, persuasiveness and organisational efficiency. All managed with a reassuring smile and level of hand holding that went way beyond the call of duty. I simply don’t know how our small but dedicated group of trustees, attempting to save a significantly important,rural catholic chapel, managed to pull together the sheer number of required documents for the submission stage. Claire orchestrated the project from start to finish, enlisting a supportive and experienced group of professional advisors and consultants, leading us all in a collaborative and collegiate environment.  But it wasn’t just the level of detail that Claire ensured we went to in the submission process as much as her ability to synthesise large amounts of data and technical input to produce such clear, well argued conclusions and action points.  Managing the demands of often conflicting stakeholders, was a masterclass in diplomacy, inclusiveness and effectiveness.  But above all of this, Claire is a delight to work with. Her cheerful disposition and glass-half-full attitude is as inspiring as it is infectious.  She has set a high bar. She will be missed.”