THE coronavirus pandemic will not stop one historian from passing on his rich array of knowledge for this month's annual heritage celebrations.
To mark the annual Heritage Open Days, Ted Forsyth is hosting digital talks about the Windleshaw Chantry via Facebook live over the next two weekends.
In 2015 the Windleshaw Chantry's 600th anniversary was celebrated after Ted 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 grounds’ historical significance includes tomb of Frenchman Jean-Baptiste Francois Graux de la Bruyere, who is responsible for bringing glass making to the town and was the first manager of Ravenhead glassworks.
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Volunteers have met regularly over the past few years to tidy up the grounds surrounding the Windleshaw Chantry, commonly as the 'abbey' and celebrate its rich history making it fit for visitors.
Over recent years the once unkempt grounds have been transformed thanks to the group's efforts.
A couple of years ago the group started to invited residents to 'adopt' a grave and make it their responsibility to keep it tidy.
Ted will be giving a talk about the history of the chantry at 11.30am on Saturday, September 12.
The following Saturday (September 19) also at 11.30am Ted will talk about the stories of some of the 'residents' whose graves lie in the chantry's grounds.
Both events can be viewed live via the public Chantry St Helens Facebook group.
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