Hidden treasure honouring war dead opens doors

A TINY chapel and its unusual sculptures crafted by a local art teacher will today be opened to the public.
By The Newsroom
Published 18th May 2013, 01:01 BST
The Scotch Corner Chapel near the village of Oldstead in the North York Moors National ParkThe Scotch Corner Chapel near the village of Oldstead in the North York Moors National Park
The Scotch Corner Chapel near the village of Oldstead in the North York Moors National Park

Scotch Corner Chapel, near the village of Oldstead in the North York Moors National Park, was built by Ampleforth College master John Bunting, as a war memorial to those who died in the Second World War and, in particular, to former Ampleforth College pupils who fought in the war.

Members of his family will open up the remote chapel, home to many of Bunting’s sculptural works, on three days this year – today, July 20 and September 14.

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Bunting acquired the land for the chapel in 1956. It is built on the ruins of an old farmstead, though the history of the plot goes back much further – the Battle of Byland took place here in 1322.

Bernard Bunting, his son, said yesterday: “While my father was not a famous sculptor he did teach several of our leading artists today, most notably Antony Gormley.”

The chapel will be open between 12pm and 4pm to visitors and directions can be obtained from Sutton Bank National Park Centre. The chapel is located at Grid Reference SE 526, 814 and it is a 20-minute walk to the nearest parking.