Selby Abbey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Selby Abbey |
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The West Front
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| OS grid reference | SE615323 |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Previous denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Churchmanship | Broad Church |
| Website | www.selbyabbey.org.uk/ |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Founded | 1069 |
| Founder(s) | Benedict of Auxerre |
| Dedication | St Mary the Virgin and St Germain |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade I |
| Designated | 16 December 1952 |
| Style | Romanesque, Decorated Gothic, Gothic Revival |
| Years built | 1069–1465 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Selby |
| Deanery | Selby |
| Archdeaconry | York |
| Diocese | York |
| Province | York |
Selby Abbey is a very old and important church in the town of Selby, North Yorkshire, England. It used to be a home for Benedictine monks, but now it is a parish church. It is one of the largest and most famous churches in England that isn't a cathedral.
Contents
History of Selby Abbey
Selby Abbey was started by a monk named Benedict of Auxerre in 1069. Later, the de Lacy family helped build it. It is one of the few medieval abbey churches that are still standing today.
In 1256, the Pope gave the abbey a special privilege. This meant the abbot (the head monk) could wear a special hat called a mitre. This made Selby a "Mitred Abbey," which was a very important title.
Over the years, the abbey faced some challenges. In 1340, a fire damaged parts of the church, including the chapter house and dormitory. But the monks worked hard to repair it. They even added beautiful new windows.
By 1380, there were about 25 monks living at the abbey. People would visit the abbey as pilgrims, and their donations helped keep the church in good condition.
In the 15th century, more changes were made. New windows were added, and a special chapel called the Latham Chapel was built in 1465.
The End of the Monks' Time
In 1539, during a time called the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the abbey was closed down. The monks had to leave, and the abbot and 23 monks were given money to live on.
After the Monks Left
For a while after 1539, the church was not used much. But in 1618, it became the main church for the town of Selby. During the English Civil War, the building was damaged. For example, a large window was destroyed.
Like many old buildings, Selby Abbey has had problems with its foundations. In 1690, the central tower fell down, which also damaged another part of the church. The tower was rebuilt, but the damaged section was not.
In the 18th century, the church was changed again. The choir area was used for services, but the main part of the church (the nave) was used for other things.
Restoring the Abbey
In the late 1800s, the abbey was carefully restored by famous architects, Sir George Gilbert Scott and his son John Oldrid Scott. They worked to bring the church back to its original beauty and make it fully usable again. The tower was also restored in the early 1900s.
The Great Fire of 1906
On October 20, 1906, a big fire broke out at Selby Abbey. It started near the organ. The fire destroyed the roof of the choir and the bells. Many of the things inside the church were also ruined.
However, the local firefighters did an amazing job. They managed to save a very old stained-glass window from the 14th century.
The abbey was rebuilt after the fire, costing a lot of money. It was reopened in 1909, looking beautiful once more.
Recent Restorations
In 1952, Selby Abbey was given a special "Grade I" listed status, meaning it is a very important historical building.
In 2002, the abbey had a big restoration project that cost millions of pounds. This included fixing the Scriptorium (a room where monks used to write books) and the South Choir Aisle.
The Washington Window
One of the most special features of Selby Abbey is the Washington Window. This window, from the 15th century, shows the family crest of George Washington's ancestors. George Washington was the first president of the United States.
It is thought that this crest is in the abbey because one of George Washington's ancestors, John Wessington, helped the monastery with money. Many people believe this design is one of the oldest images in the world that looks like the Flag of the United States. Selby Abbey is part of the "American Trail" in the UK, which highlights places with strong links to American history.
Music at Selby Abbey
Music has been a part of Selby Abbey for a very long time, ever since the monks first sang their daily prayers in the 11th century. Today, music is still a big part of services. This includes singing by the Abbey's choir, organ music, and hymns sung by everyone.
The Selby Abbey Choir has about 35 adults and children. Most of them are volunteers, but the Abbey also has special scholarships for young singers and employs professional musicians. The young singers in the choir get a full musical education. They sing at services every Sunday and for special events.
In 2022, the Abbey Junior Choir was started for younger children, aged five and up, who love to sing.
The Abbey also hosts many concerts throughout the year, featuring different choirs, orchestras, and other musicians. There is also an annual Organ Recital Series where famous organists from around the world come to play.
The Abbey Organ
The current organ at Selby Abbey was built in 1909 by the company William Hill & Son. It is a very large and impressive instrument with 67 stops and four keyboards. Most of its pipes are inside two beautiful wooden cases designed by John Oldrid Scott. Some of the biggest pipes are so large they lie flat on the floor above the main part of the church!
Before this organ, there were other organs in the abbey. One was destroyed in the big fire of 1906.
In the 1960s, a famous Italian organ player named Fernando Germani made recordings at the Abbey. This helped make the organ famous around the world.
By the 2010s, the organ was getting old and needed repairs. In 2014, a major restoration project began and was finished in 2016. Now the organ sounds wonderful again!
Other Interesting Facts
- The Bishop of Selby is a special bishop who helps the Archbishop of York and looks after the churches in the Selby area.
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