THE CHAPEL OF OUR LADY OF THE CRAG

The Chapel is a ‘Marian’ shrine, i.e. a holy place especially dedicated

to the Virgin Mary and her son, Jesus Christ

Welcome to the page dedicated to the stunning sandstone Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag. We are delighted that you have found your way here, and we sincerely hope that you take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere this remarkable place has to offer. It is our wish that you find peace and tranquility within these walls, allowing for some much-needed spiritual refreshment as you reflect and connect with the surroundings. For those interested in delving deeper into its rich history, we offer a comprehensive booklet that provides full details about the Chapel, available to anyone who contributes a donation of £3. Please note that all donations are dedicated to the continued upkeep and preservation of this beautiful Grade I listed building, ensuring it remains a cherished site for generations to come.

THE FOUNDATION OF THE SHRINE

The Chapel was built by someone known as ‘John the Mason’ in 1408. A Royal Charter attests to the date, but the rest of the founding story is either legend or conjecture! John the Mason probably worked to obtain stone for Knaresborough Castle from the nearby quarry. He was, in all likelihood, a master mason with several workers in his employ. The story goes that his son was almost killed by a rock fall in the quarry. John fervently prayed to the Virgin Mary to save him. When he emerged, miraculously unscathed, from the rubble, John built this chapel in thanksgiving

There are two other reasons that might have prompted him to have hewn the Chapel out of the rock. Firstly, the Chapel is a wayside shrine, and in 1408 it was en route to Knaresborough’s priory (destroyed at the Reformation). Secondly, John would have loved to have displayed his skills to the people of his day; the Chapel is the work of a master craftsman, with a carved altar, vaulted ceiling, roof bosses and gargoyles, looking every bit like an erected building, but with a special quality, created from the crag itself.

(Picture courtesy of Mark Sunderland – www.marksunderland.com)

The Knight figure may date from 1408; we are not sure, but he certainly is old, and was commented on by Wordsworth in the poem Memorials of a Tour of Scotland 1814 (Wordsworth sat by the River Bran, but remembered Knaresborough and the Nidd). Recent conservation work showed the head to be separate from the body and it is thought that it may have been remodelled in the Victorian era.

FURTHER INFORMATION

A website dedicated to The Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag is at:

https://www.ourladyofthecrag.org/

This website includes information on events, visiting the Chapel as well as contact details.