LYDIATE ABBEY
(St Catherine’s Chapel)
CHAPEL HISTORY
St Catherine’s Chapel, Lydiate.
The chapel of St Catherine’s is situated 250 meters south of the ruins of Lydiate Hall. The remains of the belfry on the west tower suggest that, although this is a domestic chapel (and not an abbey), built by the lords of the manor of Lydiate for their use, it probably also served the people of Lydiate during those periods of English history when it was safe to worship according to the rites of the Roman church.
The chapel has a north door, a south porch, a west tower and an east window, though no west door. It was in the south porch that the initials of Laurence Ireland and his wife Catherine were visible, along with the arms of the Ireland family.
The south wall had four large windows with elaborate tracery, taking up much of the wall. The mullions of these windows appear to have sustained violent damage, rather than just age damage, and it is likely that this happened either during the Dissolution of the Monasteries or during the English Civil war. Large amounts of glass fragments were found below the windows, some of which were stained or painted.
The altar would have stood at the east end of the chapel; dark stains were discovered at this position where sacred vessels would have been cleaned for Mass. The darks stains would have been wine.
Mason’s marks identifying the work of an individual have been found in the chapel stone work. ©PBRussell/2011
LISTED BUILDING STATUS
LYDIATE ABBEY – (St CATHERINE’S CHAPEL)
Grade II* Listed
This 15th century domestic chapel is part of our heritage, please help us to maintain this peaceful and picturesque site for now and the future.
‘FRIENDS OF THE ABBEY’
Over the past decade St Catherine’s Chapel (Lydiate Abbey) has deteriorated, trees growing out of the mortar, and loose and missing stone work. If action is not taken soon, we will lose this precious part of Lydiate’s heritage.
We have formed a group to put pressure on those responsible for the Chapel, to take action to help save and preserve our heritage.
Aims and Objectives
1. Name ‘Friends of The Abbey (St Catherine’s Chapel).
2. To ensure the conservation and maintenance of the Chapel grounds and building by those bodies responsible for the upkeep.
3. To encourage and support suitable events, eg, Annual Service, Ecumenical Services at Easter, Outdoor Shakespeare, Recitals, Village Picnic, Plays, Carol Concerts, Last Night at The Proms.
4. To provide history talks, guided walks and presentations to schools, uniform organisations, other groups.
5. To encourage visitors, consider web page and/ or attach to Parish Council or Our Lady’s web pages.
6. To organise fund raising events.
Friends Activities
1. Regular news letters by e mail, with visits to the Chapel.
2. Membership of ‘FRIENDS OF THE ABBEY’ is by annual subscription of £5.
3. Fund raising, to help fund events at The Chapel, this would include Quiz Nights, Hot Pot Suppers, Bingo/ Whist and Beetle Drives.
4. Encourage more ‘FRIENDS OF THE ABBEY’
5. Learn the history of the Chapel and Lydiate Hall
If you would like to become a ‘FRIEND OF THE ABBEY’ contact: lydiateabbey1486@gmail.com giving your name and email address.
Regular newsletters will be sent by email updating ‘friends’ on fund raising activities, and bids for heritage lottery funding.
To date we have been successful in obtaining a grant from Heritage Lottery to carry out a condition survey of the chapel. The survey has now been completed. We are now in the process of bidding for grants to carry out the identified work, and to improve the surrounding area.
FRIENDS OF THE ABBEY NEWSLETTERS
May 2026
Friends of Lydiate Abbey Newsletter May 2026
We begin this month’s newsletter with some difficult news. Recently, the Chapel grounds suffered an act of vandalism that left the surrounding fencing badly damaged. Many of you will have seen the photographs and shared our disappointment. While we have long hoped for the fencing to be removed, this was certainly not the way any of us wished it to happen.
Thanks to the swift response of Lydiate Parish Council, their ground staff have cleared the debris and installed new fencing work carried out at a cost to the Archdiocese. Their support has been invaluable, and we extend our sincere gratitude.
Despite this setback, we remain committed to our goals and ambitions. The Friends of Lydiate Abbey continue to push forward with determination and optimism.
Fundraising: Let’s Keep the Momentum Going!
Our next fundraising event is just around the corner, and we would love to see as many of you as possible there.
Live Music Afternoon – This Saturday!
Saturday 23rd May The Scotch Piper Inn 3:00pm
Councillor Paul Bull with the group “Scotch on the Rocks” will be performing a lively mix of classic favourites and fresh new tunes. It promises to be a relaxed, feel-good afternoon filled with great music and community spirit.
Entry is completely FREE, so bring friends, family, neighbours—everyone is welcome.
To support our ongoing restoration efforts, there will also be:
- A book stall
- A raffle with some lovely prizes
We’ve also introduced a new QR code for easy donations and payments. You’ll find it on the event poster, and it can be used anytime. If you’re able to help spread the word—online or in person—we’d be incredibly grateful.
JustGiving Page
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/friendsoflydiateabbeyfola?utm_medium=CF&utm_source=CL
Look forward to seeing you all.
Together, We Keep the Abbey’s Story Alive
Thank you for your continued support, encouragement, and presence. Every share, every donation, every visit, and every kind word helps us protect and preserve this historic site for generations to come.
We look forward to seeing you on Saturday.
Warm regards,
David Russell
Friends of Lydiate Abbey lydiateabbey1486@gmail.com FOLA25 MAY26
APRIL 2026
Friends-of-Lydiate-Abbey-Newsletter-April-2026