St Peter's Church, Heysham 
Although there is some disagreement among the experts most suggest that St Peter's was one of the Celtic churches along the West Coast. As such the foundation of the stone church would have been laid down in the sixth century. Tradition has it that Heysham was visited by St Patrick and there are some unique stone cut graves on the adjacent headland. There was a Saxon monastery by the eighth century with a small prayer chapel by the graves. It was probably a pilgrimage site similar to Holy Island. The monks rebuilt St Peter's and these are the oldest parts of the stone church now visible.
In recent years the sea has done serious damage to the sea walls and the cliffs on which St Peter's stands. St Peter's part of this appeal is to raise money to make necessary repairs to the sea wall and to strengthen the sea defences. We also need to repair sections of the graveyard which themselves have eroded over time.
Appeal for funds How can you help?
£200,000 is required urgently and will be shared equally between Heysham Heritage Centre and St Peter's Church.
The Appeal is a partnership between St Peter's Church, Heysham Heritage Association and Heritage Trust for the North West (Registered Charity No. 508300).
