The David Ross Foundation is delighted to have approved a £1.5 million grant towards the Lincoln Cathedral Connected Project as part of the ambitious £16 million investment plan which will see work on the Cathedral’s visitor facilities, public spaces and conservation, to be completed by 2021.
Standing for over 900 years, Lincoln Cathedral has weathered storms, earthquakes, wars and even a lightning strike. Set aloft on the Lincoln Ridge, looking over the City below, it continues today to be a place of Christian prayer and pilgrimage with an active role in public life as a community resource, tourist attraction and heritage icon.
The Development Stage of the Lincoln Cathedral Connected Project is now complete and confirmation of the Delivery Stage funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund is awaited. The funds donated by The David Ross Foundation will provide much needed match funding and will be used towards the Learning and Discovery wing of the Cathedral project, to be called the David P.J. Ross Education Centre. This builds on the success of the David P.J. Ross Magna Carta Vault opened in 2015 which was also made possible by a donation from The David Ross Foundation.
David Ross said “I am very pleased to be supporting this project and will look forward to working with Lincoln Cathedral, the Historic Lincoln Trust and The David Ross Education Trust on such an iconic project. We look forward to organising a programme of activities for schools in the future.”
The Very Reverend Christine Wilson, Dean of Lincoln said: “Lincoln Cathedral Connected is an exciting and ambitious project that will greatly enhance the visitor experience and shape the future of the Cathedral. We are delighted that The David Ross Foundation has chosen to support this project with such generosity. It will greatly benefit visitors, staff and the wider community contributing a further boost to the local economy. It is wonderful to receive this significant encouragement and we look forward to getting started.”
The Revd Canon John Patrick, Subdean, Lincoln Cathedral stated: “Lincoln Cathedral is delighted that The David Ross Foundation is supporting the proposed Education Centre with such a generous grant. The Connected project builds upon the legacy of ‘Lincoln Castle Revealed’ and the David P. J. Ross Magna Carta Vault, which have been transformative for the City, acting as a catalyst for partnership working between the Cathedral and County Council. We cannot thank David enough for his continued patronage of Lincolnshire’s heritage.”
Lord Cormack, Chairman of the Historic Lincoln Trust, said “It is wonderful news that a great Lincolnshire philanthropist has made another contribution to our historic city. In doing so, he has shown both dedication and foresight. His generosity will enable us to create an Education Centre at the Cathedral that will be second to none.”
From Left to Right: Lord Cormack, The Subdean, David Ross, The Dean of Lincoln
