Stonyhurst College opens new museum

The Old Chapel Museum has opened at Stonyhurst College. The collection is the culmination of five years of conservation work and research, bringing together an extraordinary gathering of artefacts, from many millennia BC to the 21st century, which reflect human history and culture, art, music, science and the flourishing of knowledge and spirituality.

The Museum opens access for the first time to artefacts such as the First Folio of Shakespeare, possessions of Tudor and Stuart royalty and rare medieval silver and embroideries. The displays circle the globe, from prehistory to Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, bringing the visitor through 5000 years of civilisation right up until the turning of the present century. This exciting new resource provides an unparalleled opportunity for education and discovery for local, national and international audiences.

Bishop John Arnold of Salford commented: "This important collection tells the story of the courage of our brother and sisters in faith to remain steadfast against all the odds. This new museum which tells their story is a welcome resource for the Church and education in this diocese and throughout the north of England."

The Chairman of Governors, John Cowdall KSG explained the importance of providing good formation for young Catholics and his desire to make that opportunity open to more than just those who attend the College.

Lord Alton of Liverpool, Chairman of the Christian Heritage Centre at Stonyhurst talked about the next phase of the project: "The multi million pound restoration project of an old mill building on the Stonyhurst campus into Theodore House, a retreat, study and leadership centre, named in honour of St Theodore of Tarsus, a Syrian refugee and one time Archbishop of Canterbury."

Lord Alton explained that Theodore House would provide accommodation for groups on retreats, studying the Collections, or taking part in courses and training will be provided by The Christian Heritage Centre at Stonyhurst. Theodore House will have a Chapel, library, conference room and seminar rooms all in the uplifting surroundings of Lancashire.

Read more: www.christianheritagecentre.com/old-chapel-museum/