Contractors have moved in this week to begin Phase 1 of the current restoration programme at Selby Abbey.
This initial phase concentrates on the nave south aisle roof, the urgent need being to keep water out and thus preserve the fabric of the building. Although maintenance work has been carried out in this area since the Great Fire of Selby Abbey in 1906, the lead roof is now failing, necessitating this major work which also includes much needed conservation work to some of the oldest stone in the Abbey.
Selby Abbey Trust has raised the funds required to fund this restoration from grants, private donations and legacies, following a major appeal launched in 2019 to mark the 950th Anniversary of the Abbey and the town of Selby.
The work is expected to be completed early in 2022 and in the meantime the Abbey will be open and welcoming visitors as normal. Over the next couple of weeks scaffolding will be being erected on the southern aspect of the Abbey and during that short period footpath access between the west and south doors will be closed. Once the scaffolding is erected access will be as normal.
The Vicar of Selby Abbey, Canon John Weetman said “After a delay of nearly a year due to COVID19, it's good that this important work to repair failing aspects of the nave roof and to conserve some of the oldest stonework in the Abbey is finally able to go ahead, thanks once again to the support of Selby Abbey Trust and the many donors large and small who's generosity will help the Abbey to withstand another 950 years.”