Volunteers uncover historical gems at Windleshaw Chantry grounds

The group, which formed on a Facebook group, meet each Sunday to tidy up the grounds surrounding one of the town's most historic, sites.

In 2015, the building, known as the 'abbey' turned 600 years old with the anniversary celebrated after historian Ted Forsyth uncovered its origins finding a copy of a letter, dated June 21 1415 to Thomas Gerard Knight, Lord of Windle Manor in St Helens Central Library Archives.

The volunteer group has got together to make the area more friendly for visitors and to commemorate its rich history.

The grounds boast a six-century history and feature the tomb of Frenchman Jean-Baptiste Francois Graux de la Bruyere, responsible for bringing glass making to the town and was the first manager of Ravenhead glassworks.

And they are continuing to make historical discoveries, among them a memorial for First World War soldier Edward Green, who died at Ypres in 1917.

Also, they have uncovered the grave of priest Reverend John Penswick, who died in December 1864 aged 89. A priest for 62 years, he was the personal clergyman for the Gerard family.

"We found one upside down and all the writing was underneath so we turned it round and it was a memorial for soldier Edward Green who died on October 13, 1917," said Dawn Beesley, one of the volunteers.

"He was in the Leicester regiment and was killed at Ypres where he was buried. A man called Dave Sudworth got in touch and it is his great-uncle so he was over the moon with that. Nobody had ever seen it.

"The grave of Reverend John Penswick is really ornate, it's terrific. He died at Garswood and his brother was a bishop Thomas Penswick who is buried in the chantry."

The group is hoping to make the grounds safe enough for schools to be able to visit and learn about the history of the area and is looking for volunteers.

They meet each Sunday from between 10am to 4pm. Join the 'Chantry St Helens' Facebook group for more information and to get involved.