According to the BBC, the cathedral is facing its worst financial crisis in 300 years.
It’s not all sunshine and roses as we feel our way tentatively out of the coronavirus pandemic and lockdowns. News has emerged today that St Paul’s Cathedral, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a hallowed place of worship for many, could be forced to close unless new funding avenues are found. Like many of London’s venues, the cathedral has been hit hard by the loss of tourist revenue, and with an estimated running cost of £8 million per year, it needs to find cash quickly.
2020 saw St Paul’s Cathedral endure a revenue drop of 90%, as visitor numbers plummeted during an exceedingly tough year for the industry. Though the cathedral received £3.3 million from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund, the shortfall it faces from lost tourist spending is a significant one – particularly with international travel restrictions meaning an influx of new visitors is unlikely to arrive just yet – and bosses are warning of closure if more regular funding cannot be found.
St Paul’s Cathedral is due to reopen for sightseeing on May 17, allowing us to explore the incredible sights such as the Whispering Galleries, The Golden Gallery, and (if you’re brave enough) the crypts. If you’ve got the money to pay a visit and support this integral part of our city, please book a spot here. Honestly, I don’t want to imagine a version of London where St Paul’s stands silent and empty…