MINDLESS vandals have damaged a historic Grade I listed chapel in North Yorkshire.

North Yorkshire Police are appealing for information after a medieval window was smashed at the Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag, on Abbey Road beside the Nidd Gorge in Knaresborough.

Some time between the afternoon of Sunday, September 8 and Tuesday, September 10, a grill was ripped off a stained glass window, the window smashed and a door handle broken.

The window was medieval, dating back to around the 14th century.

In order to smash it, a purpose-made metal mesh grill protecting the window was ripped off and a large boulder thrown at it.

The window frame, leaded separators and glass are now being sent to conservators to see if they can be salvaged and repaired.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: “This mindless vandalism has damaged an extremely special place that is an important and unique part of Knaresborough’s history.

"The whole community will rightly be shocked and saddened by this incident.

"Someone will know who is responsible, so we would urge them to do the right thing and contact the police.”

The unique chapel is cut out of the sandstone of the river gorge cliff face.

It was built as an orartory – a place for prayer – possibly by a master mason known as ‘John Mason’ in 1409. It was listed Grade I in 1952, and is described by Historic England as “remarkable”.

Today it is cared for and maintained by a charitable trust.

  • Anyone with information about the vandalism should call North Yorkshire Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Quote reference number 12190168226.