Local people from Claxton, Sand Hutton & District congregated at St. Leonard's last Tuesday after raising money and gaining funds from the National Heritage to stabilise the grade two listed ancient ruins of St. Leonard's Chapel at Sand Hutton which traces it history back to the 12th century.

It was decided in 2005 that following Health & Safety implications, work was needed to stabilise the remains of this ancient Church and the Walker Vault that lay beneath the ruins. The Parochial Church Council set about looking at the best way of doing this, in short a decision had to be made… let it fall or stabilise.

English Heritage was approached as St. Leonard's was designated a Grade II listed building / Scheduled Monument grade II ruin; research was carried out as to the current church’s position, finances and the work that would need to be done.

After significant preliminary investigation and a commitment from St Mary’s PCC fundraising commenced. Following a resounding response from the local community and individual organisations, £15,000 was raised. A grant of £45,000 was awarded and work could proceed.

An earthquake on February 27th 2008 dislodged many of the cobbles that the ruins were made up of and hastened the need to stabilise the remains of this old church which dates back over 900 years.

Sand Hutton Church of England Primary School was involved from the start and the children were invited to take part in the project. It was suggested a carved stone plaque designed by the children should commemorate the repairs to stabilise the ruins, the cost of this around £6,000.

A full colour 24 page A5 booklet (The History of St. Leonard's) is available from either from St. Mary's Church or the Claxton & Sand Hutton Heritage Group at a cost of £2 +pp.