TOURISTS heard a 'bang' when a heavy chunk of plaster fell off a church ceiling and smashed into the pew below. 

A section of the historic St Lawrence's Church in Appleby is now taped off as the clergy investigate how much damage there is to the ceiling, and to prevent other tourists and churchgoers from potentially being hit by more.

Reverend Andrew Burrell apologised for closing, except for services, after the incident on March 17 and said it would remain shut it until they can 'be sure that it is safe.'

The Grade I listed Anglican church on Boroughgate dates back to the 12th century with the nave and aisles first added in the 14th century. 

The Westmorland Gazette: Where the plaster fell from on the ceilingWhere the plaster fell from on the ceiling (Image: St Lawrence's Church)

Although there is currently no figure, the Reverend Burrell said commissioning scaffolding ascending 25 feet for a professional inspector to assess the damage alone will be expensive. 

He said: "We're having the architect come next week to give a proper assessment of what the actual issue is." 

Only a section of St Lawrence's is now being used for services. Reverend Burrell wants to reopen the church to visitors but says they may have to come up with a rota so there is at least one person supervising. 

"It was completely out of the blue," he said. "It's a historic building. We really rely on the generous giving of tourists so this is a bit of a blow to us especially at Easter." 

The Westmorland Gazette: A section of the church is now taped offA section of the church is now taped off (Image: St Lawrence's Church)

The church has heritage value beyond just its age. Lady Anne Clifford is buried in a tomb at St Lawrence's. She was a noblewoman who lived from 1590 to 1676 as the last member of the aristocratic Clifford house, which ruled over five estates across northern England. Her life was known for restoring castles in Westmorland and Yorkshire. 

The church hosted an event weeks before with over 100 people in attendance, and other a thousand people used the building during Christmas. 

The reverend is organising a QR code with the Diocese of Carlisle so people can donate once it is known how much it will be to repair the damage.