Diocese of York / News & events / News

The Selby Abbey Trust is delighted to confirm a pledge of £100,000 from the Garfield Weston Foundation towards the cost of the first phase of the Abbey’s roof appeal.

The target is to raise £950,000 in 2019 for critical roof and guttering repairs which coincides with the 950th anniversary of the Abbey’s founding by William the Conqueror in 1069. This new pledge brings the total raised so far to £451,000. The Abbey does not have an endowment and all finance must come from dedicated fundraising. The Selby Abbey Trust is seeking individual and business donations, business sponsorship and grants from charitable trusts.

Jeremy Gaskell, Appeal Director said: “We are thrilled the Garfield Weston Foundation has decided to support the appeal with such a generous pledge. It has given the campaign a significant boost. We are working very hard to find funding from a wide variety of sources because it is vital that the roof, guttering and stonework are restored so that future generations can enjoy this magnificent Norman building.”

The Selby Abby Trust needs to raise £3 million for the 950th Anniversary Roof Appeal overall. The project has been divided into two phases and Phase 1 (with the goal to raise £950,000 this year) will focus on the most urgent repairs to the south side of the Abbey.

Recent inspections confirmed that failing lead on the roofs and multiple cracks in the gutter systems and asphalt covers are allowing water into the Abbey through damaged and eroded masonry. This urgent work includes re-leading the south nave aisle roof, repairing high level gutters on the central tower, north transept and north and south sides of the nave as well as replacing eroded and damaged stonework, especially the parapets. Site access and scaffolding are very expensive. Therefore, combining stonework repair with guttering and roofing restoration gives better value for money but means a great deal of work overall. Doing this work is crucial to keeping water out and preserving the fabric of the Abbey.

Visit http://www.selbyabbey950roofappeal.co.uk to find out more.