St Mary's Chapel

St Mary’s Chapel, off the A19 just south of Middlesbrough, is located in a Conservation Area on the Hutton Rudby road in the village of Crathorne, North Yorkshire.

It is a Grade II* listed Georgian gothic style building of exceptional importance on both historic and architectural grounds. Built in 1820, and completed by 1821, for the then Lords of the Manor, the Crathorne family, who maintained their Catholic faith after the Reformation. It is one of the earliest pre-Emancipation Act 1829 chapels built in the northeast of England, and is reckoned to be the best example of only two chapels of this type in the country.

What makes it of such importance is that whilst the exterior is a tall single storey of modest appearance, made from local handmade light red brick, having three attractive Tudor arched windows with interlaced glazing bars and cill band, the interior of particular importance is a remarkably complete survival.

Of especial significance and interest are the rich Gothic plaster decorated triple hanging arches at the nave/sanctuary junction with cherub head finials, and the cornices of grapes and vine leaves, which are thought quite unusual for this period; the pair of concave sided canopies over niches either side of the altar; and the decorative treatment of the reredos, as well as the original ensemble of box pews and a gallery, also with box pews. The plasterwork believed to have been completed by Italian master craftsmen especially brought over by George Crathorne, the original Lord of the Manor, is of the highest quality. It is also believed that the plasterwork was originally richly colour decorated.

Why not come and see for yourself? We are open by appointment, and you would be most welcome!