An historic Lancashire chapel which was built at a time when laws limited the ability of Catholics to meet and worship together, is to share in a £871,696 urgent funding pay-out from the National Churches Trust (NCT).
Slates are falling off the roof of St Francis Hill Chapel in Preston and the ceiling is crumbling raining down asbestos and dust onto the pews. It has been forced to cut down its services to two days a week due to the health and safety risk.
But now, it is one of 53 churches across the UK to share in the grant from the NCT. It's £5,194 award will help to pay for urgent repairs, completing the funds needed for the project.
The chapel was completed in 1755 when the penal laws in England imposed severe restrictions on Catholics. However, the Lancashire Catholics were determined to continue to practise. In the early 18th century, the Franciscan Order considered it to be safe to build a small chapel two miles outside the village of Goosnargh on high ground known as The Hill. The chapel was designed to resemble a barn and was sited well away from main community.
The priest's cottage, attached to the chapel, was the birthplace of Blessed George Beesley who fled England to train as a priest. On his return he was captured by Crown agents and executed in 1591.
Hill Chapel is now one of only a small number of 'Barn Churches' and holds a special place in Roman Catholic history.
During the First World War, nine parishioners were killed in active service and two others gave their lives during World War Two. The chapel has two war memorials, one built in 1921, from funds donated by parishioners and a second internal plaque installed in 2018.
Claire Walker, Chief Executive of the National Churches Trust, said:
"The National Churches Trust is delighted to be able to support St Francis Hill Chapel to enable them to carry out urgent repairs to their beautiful building. Not only will this protect this important heritage, but it will help to keep the building open and serving local people.”
Michael Bryan, Property Group Chair at St Francis Hill Chapel, said:
“St Francis, Hill Chapel is a hidden historic gem in the Lancashire countryside. Once the work is completed the building will once again be used regularly for worship, education and community services. A national church asset will be restored for present and future generations to enjoy. The whole parish community is extremely grateful for the support offered by the National Churches Trust.”