Lord Runcie, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, will launch a 5m appeal to help save an historic abbey.
Dorchester Abbey dates back to Saxon and Norman times, but much of its structure is in urgent need of restoration and repair.
The appeal, which will be launched at the abbey church on Friday, will allow new heating to be installed and will see the refurbishment of the Shrine of St Birinus which has been a place of pilgrimage since the 13th century.
There are also plans to improve gardens and paths and 1m will be set aside for future maintenance and to pay for part-time administrative and educational staff.
The campaign launch will feature a pre-recorded narration by the actor Jeremy Irons, who lives in Watlington, and a dramatic presentation on the history of the abbey.
The rector, Canon John Crowe, said: "This church is the cradle of Christianity in the Thames Valley. It is a beautiful building and it has an effect on people. We are working to enhance the use of the abbey to the glory of God all the year round."
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