An exciting project to revitalise the village of Blanchland and build a sustainable future for its Abbey church is entering a critical new phase.
The Blanchland Abbey Project was launched back in 2019 as a partnership between the PCC and the locally based Lord Crewe’s Charity.
It has included archaeological investigations at the historic site, which dates back to the 12th century, while extensive research has gone into heritage interpretation, enhancing the visitor experience, as well as community engagement and a wide range of activities.
Last autumn, £240,000 was secured from the Heritage Lottery Fund to develop the next stage of the project, known as The Treasures of Blanchland, which will be spearheaded by newly appointed project manager, Dr Chris Ferguson.
Over the next year, this will enable Chris and the Blanchland Abbey Project Group to prepare a grant application for £1.2m, which if successful will lead to a series of major works from 2028 onwards.
This will include new eco-friendly heating in the Abbey, disabled access at the front entrance, and the installation of a new window depicting the village with a Christian theme, while wood panelling will be removed to fully expose the sedilia, where monks used to sit after the building was founded as a Premonstratensian priory in 1165.
In addition, medieval grave slabs that form part of the Abbey’s stone floor, featuring intricate carvings, will be lifted and bracketed against the wall to protect them from further wear and tear.
Another key development will see the conservation of a late-medieval, French embroidery, which was donated to the Abbey in 1896 and depicts Jesus on the cross. This will be a delicate process as the artwork has not been removed from its protective glass casing since its arrival.
Chris expressed his appreciation to the now retired former vicar, the Revd Dr Helen Savage, whose vision led to the creation of the project, as well as all others who have contributed along the way.
“A huge amount of work has been done over the past six years,” said Chris. “I am delighted to be involved in what is a wonderful community project. My role is to help us navigate this next stage, which is crucial because once complete, this major work will benefit Blanchland for many years to come.”
Chris brings a professional background in museums and heritage, regeneration and capital build projects. From 2012-2017, he served as curational director at the Auckland Project in Durham. He continues to work with the Bailiffgate Museum in Alnwick and the Ad Gefrin Anglo-Saxon Museum in Wooler.
He also knows Blanchland, having previously researched Lord Crewe, the 17th-century Bishop of Durham who purchased the estates of Blanchland and Bamburgh and left them to the Lord Crewe’s Charity, which continues to support clergy, education and local communities.
Find out more about Blanchland, the Abbey and the project here: blanchland.org/abbey.
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