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St Andrew's Church Wood Walton - geograph.org.uk - 344099
St Andrew's Church, Woodwalton
Eglwys Figel Sant - geograph.org.uk - 157667
St Figael's Church, Llanfigael

Friends of Friendless Churches (often called FoFC) is a special charity that helps save old, historic churches and chapels in England and Wales. These are buildings that are no longer used for regular church services and might be falling apart or changed into something else. Since 1957, the charity has worked to protect these amazing buildings. As of 2021, they look after 58 churches and chapels, with 29 in England and 29 in Wales.

History of the Friends

This charity was started in 1957 by a writer and former politician named Ivor Bulmer-Thomas. He was worried about old churches that were being left to decay or even torn down. He gathered a group of famous people, including writers, artists, and politicians, to help. Some of these were John Betjeman and T. S. Eliot.

At first, the charity helped by getting money for repairs. But later, they decided to buy or lease these threatened buildings themselves to make sure they were saved. In 1972, they changed their rules to allow this. The very first building they took care of was the tower of Old St Matthew's Church in Lightcliffe.

How the Charity Works

The Friends of Friendless Churches gets money from different places. In Wales, they work with the Welsh Government (through Cadw) and the Church in Wales. This means they get funding to help care for churches there.

In England, they don't get regular money from the government. Instead, they rely on donations from people, membership fees, and money left to them in wills. Sometimes, local groups of "Friends" also form to help support a specific church in their area.

All the churches the charity owns are "listed buildings." This means they are officially recognized as important historic places. Most of them used to be Anglican churches, but they also care for some private chapels and even a Roman Catholic church.

The charity believes these beautiful old buildings should be preserved as public monuments. They want to keep them cared for, but also make them useful. They offer these churches for different public events like concerts, art shows, talks, and even knitting groups! They want to make sure these "sermons in stone" (as William Shakespeare once said) are saved for future generations to enjoy.

People Who Help

The charity has important people who support its work. The current president is the Marquess of Salisbury. Rachel Morley has been the director of the charity since 2018. As of April 2021, there were two staff members working for the charity.

List of Churches They Care For

The churches are split into two lists: one for England and one for Wales. This is because they used to be managed differently by the Church of England and the Church in Wales, and they also have different ways of getting money.

Key to Church Grades

Grade What it Means
I These are buildings that are super important and sometimes famous around the world.
II* These are very important buildings, more special than just "special interest."
II These are buildings that are important to the country and have special features.

Churches in England

Name Location Image Date Notes Grade
St Peter Wickham Bishops, Essex A honey-coloured stone church with a red tiled roof seen from the southwest. On the west end is a window above a door, on the corner is a buttress, a porch in on the south side, and on the roof is a small wooden belfry 11th century This church might have started as a private chapel. It was restored in 1850 but later became unused. Since 1995, it has been used as an artist's studio. II*
St Peter Llancillo, Herefordshire St Peter's Church, Llancillo.jpg 11th to 12th century This church is in a quiet, remote spot. It closed for public worship in 2006. II*
Urishay Castle Chapel Urishay, Peterchurch, Herefordshire On a bank, tucked behind trees is a simple chapel, to the left of which are castle ruins Early 12th century This chapel is built near the ruins of Urishay Castle. It has been cared for by the charity since 1978. II*
St John Allington, Wiltshire A short flint church with a red tiled roof, and a battlemented south tower with a pyramidal roof 12th century Most of this church was rebuilt in the 1800s, but some parts from the 12th century still remain. II
St Mary Temple, Corsley, Wiltshire Part of a church built in stone with red tiles and a short spire 1902–3 This was a private chapel built in a special "Arts and Crafts" style. II
All Saints Ballidon, Derbyshire A simple stone church with a bellcote, seen from the southeast 12th century This church was largely rebuilt in the 1800s. II
St Mary Magdalen Boveney, Buckinghamshire A flint church seen from the southeast, with a red tiled roof and, at the far end, a weatherboarded tower 12th century Built for bargemen, this church is on the River Thames. It needed a lot of repairs, partly paid for by concerts. I
St Leonard Spernall, Warwickshire A stone church seen from the south east with steep tiled roofs. Nearest is the chancel with a round east window, beyond that is a larger, higher nave, at the end of which is a bellcote 12th century This church was saved from being torn down and is now used as an artist's workshop. II*
St John the Baptist Sutterby, Lincolnshire Seen from a distance, in a graveyard, is a simple stone church, the chancel smaller and lower than the nave; protruding from the wall are a buttress and a porch 12th century This church was donated as a monument in 1981 and has had major repairs. II
St Mary Hardmead, Buckinghamshire
Seen between trees is part of the church; visible are a tower and nave with clerestory, both battlemented, and a porch
 13th century This church was built for a medieval village that no longer exists. It is now managed by local friends. I
Ruins of St Andrew's Church South Huish, South Hams, Devon The ruins of a church seen from the southeast. Still standing are the tower, the south wall, with three windows, and the east end; there are no roofs 13th century This church fell into ruins, but the charity works to slow its decay. Services are still held here once a year. II*
St Andrew Woodwalton, Cambridgeshire A stone church with red tiled roofs seen from an angle, the battlemented tower being on the left. In the foreground is a statue of a child. 13th century This church has faced damage due to its isolated location. Efforts are being made to repair it. II*
St Mary Fordham, Norfolk A simple stone church, consisting of a nave and a smaller chancel, seen from the south 13th century Parts of this church were taken down in the 1700s, leaving a simpler building. II*
St Denis East Hatley, Cambridgeshire A simple stone church, consisting of a nave and chancel, viewed from the south-west c.1300 A simple church with no tower. The main part is from around 1300. II*
St Mary Mundon, Essex The end of a church seen between trees; the ground floor is timber framed, above this is a weatherboarded tower, and to the left part of the stone body of the church. All the roofs are covered in red tiles 14th century This church is built from many different materials. It has some original furniture from the 1700s. I
St Mary Magdalene Caldecote, Hertfordshire A stone church seen from the southwest, with a tower on the left; the porch and body of the church are battlemented 14th to 15th century This church is in a deserted medieval village. Local friends now help to keep it safe. II*
Ayshford Chapel Ayshford, Devon 15th century This was a private chapel. The charity did major work to restore its pink walls and stained glass. I
St Mary Eastwell, Kent To the left is a battlemented tower, in the middle a ruined wall, and to the right the end of a stone chapel with a red tiled roof 15th century Only parts of this church remain. Many of its old monuments were moved to a museum. II
St Mary Long Crichel, Dorset A church seen from the southeast, with an apsidal chancel, a south transept, and a battlemented west tower 15th century The tower is from the 1400s, but most of the church was rebuilt in 1851. II
Tower of St Peter's Church Saltfleetby, Lincolnshire
A tower with three stages; in the bottom stage is a door, in the middle stage is a large window with tracery, and in the top stage is a two-light louvred bell opening
 Late 15th century This tower is the only part left of an old church. The charity took care of it in 1976. I
St John the Baptist Papworth St Agnes, Cambridgeshire A stone church with a chequerboard appearance; on the left is a battlemented tower, the nave has three windows and the chancel, which is lower, has two windows 1530 This church was almost completely rebuilt in the 1800s. It is now used as a community center. II*
Tuxlith Chapel Milland, West Sussex A simple chapel with a bellcote and a protruding porch, and winter trees behind 16th century This chapel was once a Sunday school. It has been restored and is now used for concerts and other events. II
St Lawrence Hutton Bonville, North Yorkshire A small stone church with lancet windows and a bellcote 17th century This church was mostly rebuilt in 1896. It stands alone since the nearby hall was torn down. II
St Helen Barmby on the Marsh, East Riding of Yorkshire A stone church with a prominent brick tower, capped with a cupola 17th century The tower of this church, with its copper dome, was added in the 1700s. II
Thornton-le-Beans
Chapel		 Thornton-le-Beans, North Yorkshire A simple stone chapel seen from the south with a west bellcote 1770 This simple stone chapel has always been a "chapel of ease," meaning it served a larger parish. II
Tower of Old St Matthew's Church Lightcliffe, West Yorkshire
A slender stone tower in a graveyard. On the left face are two windows, one round-headed, the other round; on the right face is a clock; and on the summit is a cupola surmounted by a ball finial
 1775 This tower is all that's left of a church that was damaged and vandalized. The charity helped repair it. II
Strict and Particular Baptist Chapel Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire A white-painted simple chapel with a brick chimney stack and a red tiled roof. On the front are two sash windows, and a similar window is on the side at a higher level. 1792 This chapel closed in 1976, and the charity has since repaired it and its old stables. II
Chapel of St John the Baptist Matlock Bath, Derbyshire
Beyond a tall wall is the end of a chapel with a triple window in the gable, a shorted tower to the right with a pyramidal roof, and an oriel window protruding more to the right
 1897 This was a private chapel designed by famous "Arts and Crafts" artists. The charity has cleaned and repaired it. II*
St Mary of the Angels Brownshill, Chalford, Gloucestershire A cotswold stone simple chapel with a small bell turret. 1930–37 This is the first Roman Catholic church taken care of by the charity. II
St Helen Skeffling, East Riding of Yorkshire A rubble-stone church with a slate roof. On the west end is a castellated tower, with lower nave and chancel to the east. A red brick porch fronts the building 15th century This church dates from the 1400s, with some parts restored later. I
St Andrew Runcton Holme, Norfolk A stone church with a semi-circular chancel and a small bell-cot 12th century Originally from the 1100s, this church was completely rebuilt in the 1830s. II*

Churches in Wales

Name Location Photograph Date Notes Grade
St Peulan Llanbeulan, Anglesey A stone church with slate roofs seen from the southeast. To the right is the chancel, to the left is a large transept, beyond which can be seen a bellcote 12th century Even after being restored, this church still feels very old and medieval. It has a font that might be from before the Norman times. II*
St Jerome Llangwm Uchaf, Monmouthshire A stone church in a graveyard behind evergreen trees 12th century This church has a strong tower and a beautifully carved screen from the 1400s. I
St Cynhaearn, Ynyscynhaearn Ystumllyn, near Criccieth, Gwynedd
A simple church, seen end-on, with a bellcote and transepts; in the foreground are gravestones
 12th century This church is in a lonely spot that used to be an island. Its inside looks very "Georgian" (from the 1700s). II*
St Mary, Tal-y-llyn Near Aberffraw, Anglesey A stone very simple church see from the west end. The only features are a small round-headed door, a small bellcote, and a tiny rectangular window 12th century (probable) This is a simple medieval church that hasn't been changed much. Some of its old furniture was replaced because of vandalism. I
St Mary Derwen, Denbighshire A small stone church with a slate roof see from the southwest. Scaffolding surrounds the west end and bellcote, and the porch 13th century St Mary's has old stone carvings and a special screen with a loft. The churchyard has an old cross and sundial. I
St Odoceus Llandawke, Carmarthenshire A stone church with a slate roof seen from the southwest. Nearest is a relatively large tower with a pyramidal roof, beyond which is body of the church 13th century This church was in bad shape when the charity took it over in 2006, but it has since been repaired. II
St Ellyw Llanelieu, Powys A simple single-storey church seen from a distance with a bellcote and a porch; sheep graze in front of it 13th century This church is in a quiet spot in the Brecon Beacons. It still has many of its medieval features, like wall paintings. I
St Michael and All Angels Llanfihangel Rogiet, Monmouthshire A stone church seen from the south, with a square battlemented tower at the left, then the nave, and a lower chancel at the right. In front of the church is the base of a medieval cross 13th century After being restored by the charity, this church is now looked after by the Local History Society. II*
St Brothen Llanfrothen, Gwynedd
St Brothen 0005.jpg
 13th century This church has a special screen made from wood cut between 1496 and 1506. I
St Michael and All Angels Castlemartin, Pembrokeshire A single-storey church built in rubble masonry with a large, central, tower. Restored in the 19th century. 13th century (probable) This church has important stained glass windows from the 1800s. I
St Michael and All Angels Gwernesney, Monmouthshire A red sandstone church with a small bellcote 13th century This medieval church has two original bells from the 1200s, which are some of the oldest in the area. I
Hodgeston Parish Church Hodgeston, Pembrokeshire A simple church seen from the southeast with a tall slender tower on the left, then the nave and a chancel with a slightly higher roof line 13th century (probable) This church was in bad shape in the 1800s but was fixed up. It still has many old features inside. II*
St Decumanus Rhoscrowther, Pembrokeshire A church with a tall church tower positioned centrally. 13th century (possibly) This medieval church has a tall tower and is located near a large oil refinery. I
Manordeifi Old Church Manordeifi, Pembrokeshire A stone church seen from an angle in a graveyard, with a porch and a bellcote 13th or 14th century This church is near the River Teifi. It was abandoned in 1899 but is now cared for by the charity. They still keep a small boat (coracle) in the porch in case of floods! II*
St Anno Llananno, Powys A single-storey church built in rubble stone with a bellcote and a porch at the Western end 14th century This church was rebuilt in the 1800s. It has a beautiful screen from the 1500s, which is a famous piece of Welsh craftsmanship. II*
St Baglan Llanfaglan, Gwynedd At the far end of a graveyard is a simple stone church, which appears L-shaped, and has a bellcote 14th century St Baglan's is in a quiet field and was not changed much in the 1800s. It still has its original 1700s furniture. I
St Beuno Penmorfa, Gwynedd The north side of stone church with a slate roof, seen through a graveyard. There are two windows, a protruding vestry and, at the right, a bellcote 14th century This church has a medieval roof, even though it was restored three times in the 1800s. II*
St Cadoc Llangattock-Vibon-Avel, Monmouthshire A red sandstone church with a pyramid tiled roof to the tower 14th century This medieval church was greatly restored in the 1800s. It has important stained glass windows. Charles Rolls, who helped start Rolls-Royce cars, is buried in the churchyard. II*
St Mary Llanfair Kilgeddin, Monmouthshire A stone church seen from the southwest, with a slate roof and red tiled ridge. At the west end is a door a window and a double bellcote; protruding from the south side is a porch 14th century (possible) This church was rebuilt in the 1870s but still has medieval items. Its walls are decorated with special "Arts and Crafts" designs. I
St Afran, St Ieuan and St Sannan Llantrisant, Anglesey A T-shaped low stone church with a slate roof seen beyond grave slabs Late 14th century This church was in ruins by 1970 but was repaired and taken care of by the charity in 2002. II*
St Mary Penllech, Gwynedd A simple stone church seen almost from the east end. The east window has two lights and a slightly pointed arch, and at the far end the bellcote can be seen 15th century (probable) This church is on an old pilgrim route. Its inside still looks like it did in the 1700s. II*
St David Llangeview, Monmouthshire A small stone church seen from an angle; behind the chancel is a slightly higher nave with a bellcote at the far end. A porch protrudes beyond that Late 15th century The inside of this church is mostly original, with a 15th-century screen and rare old pews. I
St Figael Llanfigael, Anglesey A small plain stone church seen from an angle with a bellcote on the near gable, and a simple door and two windows along the side 18th century (probable) This church was mostly rebuilt in 1841. It has three fonts, with the oldest from the 1100s! II
St Andrew Bayvil, Pembrokeshire A simple stone church seen from the south. The only visible features are a west bellcote and two windows Early 19th century This church is thought to be a rebuild from the early 1800s. It has old-fashioned box pews and a three-level pulpit. II*
St Michael's Church Tremain, Ceredigion
St. Michael Church - geograph.org.uk - 54226.jpg
 1846–48 This church was designed by John Jones, a Welsh architect. It's the only building he designed all by himself. II*
St Dogfael Meline, Pembrokeshire A small, single-storey, church with a porch and bellcote to the western end 1864-65 This is a Victorian church from the 1860s. II
St Mark Brithdir, Gwynedd Part of a stone church with a large slate roof seen from a slight angle; on the left is a slightly protruding porch with wooden gates, and on the summit is a bellcote 1895–98 This church is considered one of the best "Arts and Crafts" churches in Wales. I
St Teilo Llandeloy, Pembrokeshire A simple stone church with a slate roof, a bellcote on the nearest gable and a transept on the right 1926 This church was built from old ruins and designed using "Arts and Crafts" ideas. It has a carved screen and painted altar decoration. II
St Philip Caerdeon, Gwynedd A small, low-built, church of irregular design 19th century This church was built in 1862 as a private chapel. There was a big argument about whether services could be held in English or Welsh. I

Churches They Used to Care For

St Peter's Church in Corpusty, Norfolk, was owned by the Friends from 1982 until 2009. It was then given to another charity called the Norfolk Churches Trust.

Working with the Ancient Monuments Society

For many years, from 1993 to 2021, the Friends of Friendless Churches worked closely with another group called the Ancient Monuments Society. They shared an office and staff, and even had a joint membership plan. This partnership happened because the person who started the Friends, Ivor Bulmer-Thomas, also led the Ancient Monuments Society. This partnership ended in 2021, but they separated as friends.

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