Ushaw Seminary, Durham. August 2016

[Ferox]

Another spot we had a look at on our recent North Eastern trip. One of my first explores this place back in November 2013. I'll never forget the light dying fast in the chapel with the sounds of owl's hooting outside. Could not get through the hole above the organ quick enough  :-D  It's took a beating since my last visit and, as I had a soft spot for this place it was rather sad to see. While we where in there a group of teens kicked in a board to gain entry. One of two groups of teens we heard while on our wander. Really lucky to catch the chapel open again, I believe it has been sealed (and well sealed it was too by the look's) for ages. Glad I got to see the place again even if it was abit of a shock to see the state of it now. Still look's cool from outside though, dark, derelict and foreboding. Visited with non member Paul.

HISTORY

Briefly the abandoned Ushaw College, a former Catholic seminary was founded in 1808 by scholars from English College, Douai, who had fled France after that college had been closed during the French Revolution. Ushaw College had been affiliated with the University of Durham since 1968. The College became a Licensed Hall of Residence of the University of Durham in 1968. It was independent of the University but offered courses validated by the University, and both Church and lay students studied at the college. The Junior House closed in 1972, its younger students being transferred to St Joseph’s College, Upholland in Lancashire. Ushaw was the principal Roman Catholic seminary in the north of England for the training of Catholic priests; finally closing in 2011 due to the shortage of vocations.
 

Thanks For Looking 

More pics on my Flickr page - https://www.flickr.com/photos/135648593@N02/albums/72157669165981133

 

[Andy]

Beautiful architecture and I like the church. But also a little sad to see the condition inside.

 

[AndyK!]

It's a lovely building, shame it's slowing rotting away

 

[mookster]

That's the first time the chapel has been opened up for ages, whoever opened it must have been extremely determined!

 

[Ferox]

Beautiful architecture and I like the church. But also a little sad to see the condition inside.

It's a lovely building, shame it's slowing rotting away

Totally agree gents. I seen a report recently on another forum saying that the boarding has been beefed up and silent alarms have been fitted inside. Apparently the police where waiting for them when they came out. Too late for the building i'd say 

 

[Ferox]

That's the first time the chapel has been opened up for ages, whoever opened it must have been extremely determined!

Yep, we where really lucky to see it. Someone had managed to smash the locks off on the metal door. Extremely determined and a would think extremely nosy  :shock:

 

[Urbexbandoned]

As much as its had a beating over the years the building itself is beautiful and such a waste. The chapel was blocked off when I went so always like seeing that. Still very photogenic in places