Selby Abbey: The Origin Stories is a £1.4 million National Lottery Heritage Fund project to deliver essential repairs to this Grade I listed building, with a public engagement programme centred around the Abbey’s spectacular St Germain window and a new Monastic Garden.
The delivery phase of the project got under way in late summer 2025, and is due to run until autumn 2027. It will encompass:
· essential repairs to the north transept and St Germain window
· the creation of a Monastic Garden on the south side of the Abbey, where the original cloisters were located, which will provide opportunities for long-term volunteering and community engagement
· the delivery of new wayfinding and interpretation to tell the story of the Abbey
· community outreach aimed at increasing the use of the Abbey by local people and enhancing understanding about its history
· a wealth of free-to-participate learning, cultural, wellbeing and creative sessions and activities at the Abbey for visitors of all ages
· staff and volunteer training
· a new learning programme for local schools.
Project updates and announcements will appear on this page, along with listings for the many free-to-participate opportunities being offered as part of the project programme.
Image credit: M Woodcock image of St Germain window
Origin Stories updates
Read the latest from March 2026 on the progress of the current funded project – Selby Abbey: Origin Stories
Selby Abbey: The Origin Stories Team
Selby Abbey’s The Origin Stories project has entered a new phase with the appointment of a dedicated project team. The team of three will work with Selby Abbey clergy, staff and volunteers, plus various consultants, partners and local community groups, to deliver this ambitious project over the next two years, until autumn 2027. Michala Pearson (Community Engagement Co-ordinator), Dan Thomson (Volunteer Co-ordinator) and Chris Tuckley (Project Manager) bring a wealth of experience from the museums, heritage and voluntary sectors to their new roles, and will be leading the delivery of the project’s ambitious programme of capital works, public events and volunteer development and training.
NHLF Press Releases
Origin Stories Team Recruitment
Project Summaries
Volunteering opportunities
There’s going to be loads for people to get involved in over the next two years, and four different volunteer roles for anyone who wants to help:
· Heritage Researcher
· Community Engagement Volunteer
· Gardener
· Apprentice Tour Guide
Pop into the Abbey during the week and ask for Dan, or email us at: or***************@************rg.uk
Volunteer role details coming soon.