The Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag
Charity No. 1171904
The tiny medieval Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag lies a stone's throw from the River Nidd, about half a mile from the centre of Knaresborough, North Yorkshire. It was carved from the cliff face by John the Mason in 1408, permission being granted by King Henry IV. The Chapel was probably built as a wayside shrine for pilgrims walking between the town and the Priory, and possibly going further afield. It would also have been a place of quiet and prayer for the quarrymen working in the quarry nearby.
About
Events
The Chapel had been closed for the reconstruction of the boundary wall along Abbey Road, but re-opened to the public on Sunday 29th May, when the usual Sunday afternoon opening times of 2 - 4 p.m. resumed throughout the Summer months (June to September inclusive). The re-opening event was attended by the Mayor of Knaresborough, Kathryn Davies, and her husband Robert, as well as representatives from Knaresborough Relief in Need, one of the funding bodies. The wall looks splendid, thanks to McDaid Groundwork Solutions, who managed the project and rebuilt the wall, and Scotton Tree Care, who undertook the felling of trees which were damaging the boundary. We will be replanting trees next year to maintain the woodland appearance of the site, as required by the felling licence. Have a look at the stone containing the St Cuthbert cross, which was discovered during the rebuilding.
The work has been part-funded by Knaresborough Town Council, the Pilgrim Trust, Knaresborough Relief in Need, the George A. Moore Foundation, and the Garfield Weston Foundation. A grateful thank you to them from the Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag Trust. Donations to the tree replanting are also welcome, and we will allocate particular trees to donors. Contact us via this site if you are interested.
About
Sunday Opening
Sundays, 2-4 p.m. throughout the Summer months (April to September inclusive).
Services
The Chapel is open to requests for services to be arranged - for all denominations and faiths.
Fundraising
Donations are thankfully received. Projects for the future include tree planting, and making the steps above the chapel accessible.