The great Norman Abbey of Selby, founded by William the Conqueror in 1069, has been placed in jeopardy many times in its 950 year history.

The North Yorkshire Abbey, which rivals the great English cathedrals in size and historical significance, is one of the few monastic foundations to have survived the Reformation and vandalism by both the armies of Charles I and Oliver Cromwell.

Although it has withstood centuries of political and religious upheaval as well as fire and flooding, the Abbey’s limestone has been eaten away by pollution over time.  Continuous repair and renovations have been carried out but inspections in 2000 revealed the full scale of the deterioration.  Carvings, both inside and out, and extensive areas of high level stonework were found to have been eroded and much intricate tracery has been lost.

In 2002, Selby Abbey was included in the World Monuments Watch List of The World’s 100 Most Endangered Historic Sites and an appeal was launched for £4.5 million estimated to be the cost of restoring the Abbey’s exterior fabric.  The appeal has been supported by English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Robert Wilson Trust New York, and many other charitable trusts, local businesses and private individuals.  Other major donors are The Pilgrim Trust, The Garfield Weston Foundation, The Alan Evans Trust, The Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust, The National Churches Trust, The Headley Trust and Drax Power Ltd.

The response has been truly heart-warming and thanks to the generosity of our many supporters, the final appeal target was reached in July 2008.  The Abbey’s medieval West Front, the Latham Chapel, the whole of the North Choir Aisle as well as the detailed work of re-glazing and repairing the great East Window have all been restored.  High level damaged stonework has been replaced and statues and gargoyles extensively re-carved.  Work on the South Choir Aisle is well advanced.  Its Eastern Bays and the Scriptorium with its pinnacles and statues have been restored and work is currently continuing on the final project to restore the high level stonework on the Abbey’s south side.  

Preserving the Future
The major restoration work, associated with the current appeal, is due to be completed in June 2009.  Thereafter, with no endowment to fall back on, funds need to be made available so that a regular programme of planned maintenance can be carried out.  Further, there are projects under consideration such as the restoration of both the North Porch and the Hill Organ.

With Your Support
Selby Abbey has survived and will continue to survive because so many people care about its future.  The Abbey fascinates historians, delights visitors, inspires artists and fills the towns-people with pride.  It provides comfort and joy to all those who worship here because, above all, Selby Abbey continues to perform its primary function as a parish church.

Stonework restoration of the Western Bays of the South Choir Aisle - £482,000

Restoration of the Scriptorium and Choir School, including pinnacles and gargoyles - £800,000

The stonework restoration of the Eastern Bays of the South Choir Aisle - £400,000

Includes re-glazing of the fourteenth century Washington Window - costs met in full  by the British American Tobacco Company
Replacement of Heating System - £120,000

Restoration and re-glazing of the great East Window and restoration of the East End £545,000

Restoration of the Latham Chapel and the North Choir Aisle - £1.1 million

West Front restoration - £587,000

Abbots’ Tomb Slabs - £16,000

Choir Lighting - £12,000

Bell Augmentation and Tower Safety Works - £38,000

Upgrading of the Electrical System - £190,000

Installation of the Harrison Nave Organ - £240,000 - funded

Restoration of the North Porch - £249,000

Restoration of the Hill Organ - £750,000

Brigadier Jeremy Gaskell OBE
Selby Abbey Appeal Office
The Rose House
Wykeham
Old Malton
North Yorkshire
YO17 6RF
United Kingdom

Tel No: 01653 697320
Email: jjgaskell@btinternet.com