BEDERN CHAPEL, YORK.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR.") Sut,—I am constrained to appeal for funds to preserve from demolition one of the most interesting relics of mediaeval religious life in York. The Bedern Chapel is all that remains of a College for Vicars founded in York by William of Lanum in the early part of the thirteenth century. In the seventeenth century the buildings were of so important a nature that when a petition was presented to Parliament by the men of the county and city for a University in York " The Bedern " was designated as the most suitable place for it. This scheme came to nothing, unfortunately, and " The Bedern " has gradually gone from bad to worse. The Hall, the dormitories, the Gatehouse, and the rest of the Collegiate buildings have long ago been allowed to perish. The Chapel is all that remains, and it is now in so dangerous a condition that the city authorities (quite rightly) urge that it must either be repaired or taken down. There are no funds available for its-restoration, nor any one who can be held responsible. The building does not belong to the Dean and Chapter. It belongs to the Vicars Choral (i.e., the Minor Canons of the Minster), who certainly cannot afford to restore it. The Chapel itself dates from 1348, and was founded by Thomas of Ottely and William of Cottingham in the name of " The Holy Trinity, the Blessed Virgin. and St. Catherine." Mr. Walter Tapper has examined it with our Clerk of the Works, and is of opinion that the absolutely necessary work could be done for 2900. If this sum is forthcoming within the next few weeks the Chapel can be saved and a relic of exceptional interest preserved; otherwise it must go. In these days I cannot believe that so valuable a link with the historic past will be allowed to perish. Subscriptions may be addressed to Lieutenant-Colonel G. F. Ottley, Chamberlain of the Minster, 29 St. Mary's, York.—I am, Sir, &c., W. PONLEY Nona's, Dean of York.
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