How to Read a Church by Leigh-Anne Beattie – Oct 2023
An exploration of the collection of the Churches Conservation Trust
In this fascinating talk Leigh-Anne Beattie discussed the background of the CCT and its work, and use examples from its collection to demonstrate how to ‘read’ a church.
The CCT was founded in 1969, through the Redundant Churches Act, to take on the ownership of those redundant parish churches which are of such historic, architectural or archaeological merit that they should be conserved for the nation and opened to the public. The CCT currently owns 357 church buildings, and takes on new ones each year. In support of its work, it undertakes both an active conservation programme and engages with local communities.
Leigh-Anne joined the CCT in 2019, first as a Local Community Officer covering the 22 churches in Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire; and moved to the Communications team in 2022 as Digital Media Officer. This role includes overseeing the national social media channels, online lecture series and the creation of documentaries and series for CCTdigital – the CCT’s answer to Netflix! Leigh-Anne is currently in the final year of her PhD at the University of Worcester where she is researching the regeneration of redundant churches, and their role in the community.
