A total of £43,000 has been provided to restore a 300-year-old organ at a Northamptonshire village church.
The historic instrument is at the Church of St Mary the Virgin, in Finedon, and was built in 1705 for the Private Royal Chapel and court of Queen Anne.
Urgent attention has been recommended by professional restorers, and historical experts will now monitor and evaluate the work. Vanessa Harbar, acting head of the Heritage Lottery Fund East Midlands, said: “This organ is very rare as most of it remains unaltered. We are delighted to play our part in ensuring its future for generations to come.”
Manuscripts of music first written and performed on the organ will be scribed into modern clefs and played at a launch event next year.
Works to the organ will include retuning plus community activities, recitals and lessons, a film of the ‘restoration journey’ and opportunities for volunteers to be trained as guides.
The organ in the Church of St Mary the Virgin is more than 308 years old. It still features the original Queen Anne coat of arms on the front pipes. Queen Anne was the first sovereign of a united Great Britain. Since 1994, the Heritage Lottery Fund has provided more than £302m to projects in the East Midlands.