The Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag
600 Year Old Marian Shrine in Knaresborough, England
A shrine to Our Lady carved out of a rock face in thanksgiving following an accident centuries ago.
The Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag was established in 1408 and stands on a quiet road in the medieval market town of Knaresborough in the north of England. The shrine is carved from a solid rock face and sits high above the river Nidd, which flows through the town.
The Establishment of the Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag
Ancient records show that a licence was granted for the building of the shrine in 1408, by King Henry IV. Legend states that the chapel was created by a mason called John whose son was almost killed in a rock fall near the site. John believed that the Virgin Mary interceded to save his young son’s life and dedicated the chapel of Our Lady in thanksgiving.
Little is known about the Shrine’s early history, but it is mentioned in historical documents from the sixteenth century onwards and features in a poem by William Wordsworth, who visited the cave while travelling in the area.
The Interior of Knaresborough’s Shrine to Mary
One of the most notable features of the site is the large figure of a knight carved out into the entrance to the cave. This is believed to be of ancient origin. The interior of the chapel features a detailed vaulted ceiling, decorated altar area and a mysterious face, which is carved into the rock by the entrance.
In 1916, the shrine was bequeathed to nearby Ampleforth Abbey. During the last20 years, there has been renewed interest in the shrine as a place of pilgrimage and historical importance. The site received a millennium grant as part of its association with the Sacred Land Project.
Part of the grant was used to fund the creation of a large statue of the Madonna and Child, which now acts as a focal point in the chapel. The statue was carved by local craftsman Ian Judd and was blessed at a celebration service in July 2000.
Visiting the Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag
The shrine is open to visitors from 2-4pm most Sundays during the summer months. The local Roman Catholic priest of St Mary’s Church, Knaresborough, arranges processions to the shrine throughout the year and Mass is celebrated at the shrine throughout the year.
With its long history, continuing worship at the site ensures devotion to Mary, the Mother of Jesus, will continue for years to come.
