
The last major crisis experienced by Doncaster Minster, when it was called St George's Church, saw it burn to the ground in 1853. Its replacement church, that we know and treasure today, is now facing another crisis. It may not be as dramatic as an all consuming inferno, but left unchecked it could lead to the same conclusion: a closed Minster.
In August 2011 a piece of carved stone fell from near the top of the tower, damaging the nave roof and the aisle roof below before creating a large dent in the churchyard. This is a stark demonstration about the condition of some parts of the Minster and the need for urgent repairs.
Like many other Minsters and Cathedrals around the country of all ages, the Minster is undertaking a repair programme to keep the rain out and repair masonry suffering from stone decay.
Our current focus for repair is the North Transept which is going to cost over £400,000
Our next task will be to tackle the Tower which is expected to cost around £2million.
Since 2004 we have worked with English Heritage and Heritage Lottery Fund to undertake repairs to the nave roof, chancel roof, Forman Chapel and the South Porch.