About Us

Preserving Hampshire and the Isle of Wight’s historic churches for the next generation

Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is blessed with 900 fully functioning churches, chapels and meeting houses from St Peter’s Titchfield, the oldest church in Hampshire (7th century) to the 20th century, many of which have historic and architectural significance. To discover our churches please visit Days Out page.
Upkeep and new facilities to make the churches fit for the community in 21st century however are expensive. Hampshire and the Islands Historic Churches Trust (HIHCT) is a non-denominational charity which raises funds towards the upkeep of our church buildings.

How we support our churches

Since 1988, the trust has provided grants and loans in excess of £1.25 million to help repair, restore and maintain over 300 churches, chapels and meeting houses in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
The Trust uses money raised to provide grant funding for essential church repairs; new facilities, such as modernising kitchens, adding toilets, improving disability access, so churches can better support their communities. Requests for funds for restoration and repairs to the rich fabric, which is such a feature of historic churches, increase every year.

Grants: Our grants team comprises many specialist architects, surveyors and craftsmen with the right skills to help determine the viability or suitability of your proposed works and whose specialist advice can save you time and money.
To find out more follow the link to Grants

How we raise funds

Ride & Stride: Our main fundraising event, Ride and Stride, takes place annually on the second Saturday of September and allows everyone to visit over 400 interesting and historic churches with interiors that reflect our rich heritage. The local church communities, comprising hundreds of people behind scenes show visitors around, talk about the history, explain the significance of artefacts and show hidden gems, while ensuring access, home made teas and loos are open to all.
To join in follow the link to Ride & Stride

Friends of the Trust are able to attend our Summer Outing Day to churches of particular interest in Hampshire. At our AGM, held in Winchester Cathedral, there is an opportunity to learn about the work of the Trust, the projects it has funded and, as in previous years, dine afterwards in the nave under the very special West Window. Enjoy a convivial evening at our Christmas Party.
To learn more about membership follow the link to Membership

To learn more about our organisation please check here Our Organisation