Restoring and Protecting
Selby Abbey Trust serves as the fundraising body for Selby Abbey, with its focus being on the repair, restoration, conservation and preservation of the building.
Since we were founded in 1976, Selby Abbey Trust has become an important part of the Selby community.
We work with the most dedicated and charitable people, trusts, businesses and organisations to support the Abbey and ensure it remains standing as a church, heritage asset and community building, to provide vital support, religious activity and cultural opportunities.
The Selby Abbey Trust has helped transform the Abbey’s fortunes with the completion of a £6-million restoration programme. In a building of such antiquity, it is inevitable that there will always be fresh challenges.
The £1.6 million has now been spent on much needed renovation and a further £1.5 million has been raised since and used to further protect the Abbey from the ravages of time.
History of Selby Abbey Trust
The great Norman Abbey of Selby, founded under William The Conqueror by Royal Charter, is one of the largest parish churches in England.
Selby Abbey survived the Dissolution of the Monasteries and centuries of political and religious turmoil as well as two disastrous fires.
Continued threat
However, its future existence has been threated by extensive damage to its structure that time and the elements have inflicted.
In 2002, the Abbey faced closure and was placed on the World Monuments’ Watch List of the World’s 100 Most Endangered Historic Sites.
The Abbey gives the impression of unchanging serenity and poise, of a single inspiration reaching out from past centuries – the reality is dramatically different.
Since 2002, much work has been completed which has considerably improved the overall fabric of the Abbey, which has helped to secure the long-term future.
Work of Selby Abbey Trust
Since foundation in 1976, the Trust has raised money to fund each new project that arises. It is inevitable that time and the elements will adversely affect the fabric of a building as old as the Abbey, and a maintenance and repair programme will always be required.
The biggest challenge for the Trust is that there is no endowment to fall back on, meaning that dedicated fundraising is a constant requirement.
Current Funded Projects
Our current exciting project on the restoration of the north transept, focusing on the masonry, guttering and repairs, and cleaning of stained glass is a joint project between Selby Abbey and The Selby Abbey Trust.
This is due for completion in 2027.
The Trust continues to fund vital Fabric works ongoing at Selby Abbey.
Completed funded projects
Since it’s inception, the Trust has been involved in the fundraising for many of the important restoration projects that have taken place.
We need you to help us spread the word about the work of Selby Abbey Trust.
Current fundraising activities
Summer Organ Recital Series
The Abbey is pleased to work alongside the Trust with an annual series of Organ Recitals.
Free Admission with retiring collections in aid of Selby Abbey Trust.
Please see below for all event information when it becomes available.
Ben Bloor (London Oratory) – Selby Abbey Organ Recital Series 2026
Selby Abbey Organ Recital Series 2026 Tuesdays at 12.30pm Free Admission with retiring collections in aid of Selby Abbey Trust
Anita Datta (Chetham’s School of Music) – Selby Abbey Organ Recital Series 2026
Selby Abbey Organ Recital Series 2026 Tuesdays at 12.30pm Free Admission with retiring collections in aid of Selby Abbey Trust
Benjamin Horden (Holy Sepulchre, London) – Selby Abbey Organ Recital Series 2026
Selby Abbey Organ Recital Series 2026 Tuesdays at 12.30pm Free Admission with retiring collections in aid of Selby Abbey Trust