Padley Chapel - Grindleford at Padley, Grindleford, Derbyshire S30 1BB UK - Chapel Re-opens

LET THERE BE LIGHT Following the fire last October when the roof was struck by lightning, Padley Chapel and Manor Gatehouse is open to the public once again. The building now has a wonderful new lighting scheme which allows an excellent view of the 14th Century Hammer Beam roof which is said to be the finest complete roof on a medieval Gatehouse anywhere in the country. Repairs have taken much longer than anticipated so there has been a great rush to make the building safe and presentable. But this was managed just in time for the two annual Pilgrimages to this Martyrs Shrine which commemorates the events of July 1588 when two Catholic Priests were arrested here and taken to Derby where they were executed on Saint Mary's Bridge twelve days later. The Hallam Diocesan Primary Schools Pilgrimage on 12 July, organised by Father Peter McGuire of Spinkhill, welcomed 340 children and staff, some of whom had been real pilgrims walking considerable distances to be there. The following Sunday the main Inter-Diocesan Pilgrimage was held. Mass was concelebrated by Bishop John Rawsthorne of Hallam and Bishop Malcolm McMahon of Nottingham. Mass usually takes place outside in the Manor grounds but the rain was impressive and so about 200 people packed into the Chapel and a further 200+ had to stand outside, proceedings were relayed to them via a loudspeaker. The Chapel/Gatehouse is now open every Sunday and Wednesday between 2.00 and 4.00 pm until 10 September. Parties large and small can book at other times for a private visit, talk and tour. Admission is free. Please ring the Custodian on 01433 630352.

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