VANDALS have caused substantial damage to a building at the Bronte Bell Chapel in Thornton, destroying “irreplaceable history” in the process.
Volunteers discovered damage to the roof of the vestry, a building that was added to the chapel in 1793.
The room was used by Patrick Bronte during his five years as perpetual curate from 1815.
The toll of damage included stone copings and roof slates being thrown to the ground and smashed, as well as the timber supports pulled from their placements.
In addition handrails from a disabled access platform were broken in half.
The Old Bell Chapel action group has been appealing for people to donate towards the cost of repairs. It is not currently known how much money will be needed overall.
Steve Stanworth, site coordinator at the action group said: “We are a non-charitable voluntary group and exist on donations.
“As you can imagine our loyal volunteers are sickened by the mindless, senseless vandalism.”
He added that they had launched a fundraising page to help them fund the repairs, initially setting a target of £500, which was reached over the weekend.
He added: “We are currently working towards being ready for Thornton in Bloom and also the open gardens event on July 30 and 31.
“The setbacks are not good.
“The Council have responsibility for maintenance but this is outside their remit as we obtained grants to put the decking platform in place.
“We ask the neighbours to be vigilant but the ground drops away and the youths causing the problem are out of sight.”
He said they did have some CCTV footage, which has been passed to police, but have been told it is not conclusive.
He added: “I find the complete lack of respect for this area unbelievable and disgraceful, short of locking it full time, we are at a loss how to prevent further damage.”
The group’s fundraising page can be accessed here.
The chapel dates back more than 400 years, and is located in Thorton, the birthplace of the Bronte children – Charlotte, Emily, Anne and Branwell, who were all christened there.
The Old Bell Chapel Action Group which was started by Mr Stanworth, meet every Saturday morning to maintain the graveyard and rebuild the damaged graves and has been doing so for over 15 years.
They have relied on donations and community grants to fund their work.
Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.
Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@telegraphandargus.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel