Home / Lifestyle / Church Saved by Hidden Gold Treasure Under Altar
Church Saved by Hidden Gold Treasure Under Altar
9 Jul
Summary
- Nine gold coins were found hidden beneath the altar of a 14th-century church.
- The donation of gold coins was discovered by Rev. Jane Lee in April.
- The coins sold for nearly £30,000, aiding vital church repairs.
St. Wilfrid's Church, a 14th-century landmark in the village of Melling, Lancashire, was on the brink of closure. The church, which has served its community for approximately 700 years, urgently needed £750,000 for essential repairs. With a congregation of only five people, raising these funds presented a significant challenge.
During preparations for a Good Friday service, Rev. Jane Lee made an astonishing discovery. Beneath the altar, she found a plastic bag containing a box with nine gold coins and a handwritten note. The coins, identified as 1999-minted gold Britannias, were sold for almost £30,000, providing a vital lifeline for the historic church.
This unexpected donation, discovered in April, has not only secured the church's future but also bolstered community spirit. St. Wilfrid's Church is notable for its historical significance, being Grade I-listed on England's National Heritage List. It also features a clock made by Edward John Dent, the craftsman behind the clock face of London's Elizabeth Tower, famously known as Big Ben.
