St Francis Hill Chapel, a historic Catholic church in Lancashire, has secured a £5,194 grant from the National Churches Trust (NCT) to fund essential repairs, addressing safety concerns caused by a crumbling ceiling and falling roof slates.
The chapel, completed in 1755 during England’s penal laws that severely restricted Catholic worship, stands as a testament to the resilience of Lancashire Catholics. Designed to resemble a barn and situated away from populated areas on a high hill near Goosnargh, the chapel served as a discreet yet vital place of worship for Catholics defying religious persecution.
Currently, the chapel faces significant challenges, including asbestos and dust falling onto pews due to the deteriorating ceiling. These issues have forced the chapel to reduce its services to twice a week. The NCT grant completes the funding needed to restore the chapel, ensuring its continued use for worship and community activities.
Claire Walker, Chief Executive of the National Churches Trust, expressed her support for the project, stating, “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.”
The chapel is not only a place of worship but also a historical landmark. The attached priest’s cottage was the birthplace of Blessed George Beesley, a Catholic priest martyred in 1591 for practicing his faith. The chapel also honors its parishioners who served in the World Wars, with memorials commemorating those who lost their lives.
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Michael Bryan, Property Group Chair for the chapel, shared his gratitude for the grant, saying, “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.”
St Francis Hill Chapel remains one of the few surviving “barn churches” in the UK, holding a unique place in Catholic history. This restoration project ensures the preservation of this historic gem, allowing it to continue serving both spiritual and community needs for years to come.
