The historic Grade I listed Selby Abbey, located in North Yorkshire, has secured a significant £1 million grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. This vital funding comes to support essential restorative works and shed light on the abbey’s medieval history. The Reverend Canon John Weetman confirmed that, as well as restoring the stained-glass St Germain Window, the grant will fund a series of community events. “This generous grant ensures the preservation of our abbey for future generations”, he commented.
Founded in 1069, Selby Abbey transitioned from a wooden structure to a Romanesque marvel, having withstood several reconstructions due to structural difficulties and fire damage. After the dissolution of its monastic roots in 1539, the abbey started functioning as a parish church. The funding will make possible an array of activities such as willow weaving, stained glass, and embroidery workshops, in addition to initiatives that boost biodiversity within the monastic gardens. Reverend Weetman emphasised the opportunity the funds will give to encourage more people to delve into the rich history of Selby Abbey.
Alongside Selby Abbey, a number of other sites have also benefited from significant grants. All Saints Church in Hessle, East Riding, will receive £229,768 for its ‘Towering Presence’ project, aimed at preserving its 15th-century tower and promoting community engagement with heritage. St Thomas’ Church in Osbaldwick, All Saints Parochial Church in Helmsley, St Martin’s Church in Bulmer, Hull Minster, and the Sir Moses Montefiore Memorial Synagogue in Grimsby are also among those to be awarded funding. To contribute to its City of Culture 2025 pursuits, Bradford Cathedral will invite visitors to partake in a collective tapestry project.
This story was adapted from original reporting by www.bbc.com.
