The Friends of St Bartholomew’s Church (FOSB) raises funds for the considerable cost of repairing and maintaining and safeguarding the church for everyone to enjoy, now and in future generations.
Once the capital of Cornwall, and home of the Stannary Parliament, Lostwithiel is a charming medieval town at the head of the River Fowey estuary. Historically an important trading port, it was the departure point for knights during the Crusades and a scene of battle during the English Civil War.
St Bartholomew’s Church encapsulates the history of Lostwithiel and has been a focus of Christian worship, as well as local and social concerns, for more than a thousand years. Sited in the heart of the community, this fine building is the most notable architectural structure in the town and attracts many visitors.
The building has many wonderful features to cherish and maintain. Its six bells were refurbished in 2009, and a new bell frame constructed inside the tower. Behind the altar, the impressive East Window is one of the largest in any Cornish parish church. The stone font is thought to date from the 13th century.
Despite heroic endeavours, the cost of maintaining the fabric of this Grade I listed building is more than can be raised by the congregation alone. The building also enjoys a special position in the affections of many people beyond the church’s regular group of worshippers. FOSB was set up in 1995 to reach out and appeal to this wider community of supporters.
FOSB assisted the church with a grants for major refurbishment of the vestry, funds towards maintenance projects including replacement of the electrical and heating systems, and various repair works to the roof, tower, spire, walls, chancel, porch and St George’s Chapel.
From 1995 to 2021, FOSB has contributed around £177,000 for essential work at St Bartholomew’s. In 2024 and 2025, we will be making grants towards further work on the tower and bell chamber.
With the generous support of the public we strive to enhance and maintain this beautiful old church for the benefit of the present generation and for the generations still to come.
The Friends of St Bartholomew's Church, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, registered charity number 1115047
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Unity is strength… when there is collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.Mattle Stepanek
