THE rector of Chester’s oldest church is considering closing its 11th century ruins after a spate of vandalism.
Revd David Chesters, of St John the Baptist’s Church on Vicars Lane, said he would have to give “serious thought” to banning the public from the Grade I listed site.
The church was the city’s cathedral during the Middle Ages and features ancient ruins of several chapels that used to form part of the building.
Cheshire Police confirmed at the end of April that they were investigating reports of vandalism after a tomb was damaged.
And on Thursday (May 3) Revd Chesters revealed that further damage had been inflicted on the ruins by wannabe tomb raiders.
He wrote: “I am sorry to have to report more vandalism in St John's Ruins (A scheduled Ancient Monument attached to one of the most important Parish Churches and former Cathedral and now a Grade I building. I shall have to give serious thought to closing the Ruins.”
Police said previously: “Sadly we were informed of criminal damage at St. Johns Church, a heritage site in #chestercitycentre where a stone wall has been knocked down and the top of a tomb deliberately cut with an attempt to access."
A church is said to have existed on the site from the year 689, founded by the Anglo-Saxon King, Ethelred of Mercia.
If you have any information on who is responsible for the damage, call police on 101.
The church has been approached for further information on the damage caused.
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