On 10th March Dr Anthony Henfrey who is chairman of the Friends of Biddlestone Chapel, treated the Society to a fascinating illustrated talk on the history of the Chapel and the Selby family who owned the hall (demolished in 1957) and its associated chapel. The first Selby to occupy the estate was Walter Selby who lived there from 1311until he was executed by David II of Scotland in 1346. The last, another Walter, sold the estate in 1914. The Selbys maintained their Roman Catholic faith steadfastly, but did not take part in any of the rebellions which deprived many other northern Catholics of their heads and property

The Chapel, part of which was formerly a late 14th century pele tower, was re-furbished in 1865 and is a remarkably well-preserved survival of a mid-19th century Catholic chapel with much of the furnishing and the beautiful stained glass window still intact. Although technically a secular building the Historic Chapels Trust (its present Trustees) like it to be used as Roman Catholic church and marriages still occasionally take place there although there is no lighting or heating! Its use for other purposes, e.g. concerts, is also encouraged. It is open on the first Saturday of every month during the summer months and at other times by request. For more details visit the Trust’s website www.hct.org.uk.