The remains of Beauchief Abbey, from the site of the High Altar.
A strong dedication to Our Lady links Beauchief Abbey and the shrine of Padley Chapel.
The 8th Antiphon ‘O Virgin of Virgins how shall this be? For neither before thee was any like thee..’ is sung on December 23rd, the Abbey’s founding date in 1183.
Beauchief Abbey was of the Praemonstratensian order, founded by Saint Norbert. Members of the order are known as White Canons (white reflecting Our Lady’s purity). ‘Lady’s Spring’ wood is nearby.
In 1263, Matthew of Hathersage, granted land to Beauchief Abbey, eg Blacka Moor, Longshawe, Padley, North Lees and Ladybower.
The White Canons brought the celebration of Mass to their Grange Farm communities and supervised the operation of related industries eg lead mining, quarrying, forestry, milling and sheep farming. It is likely that the building remains at the west end of Padley chapel are from their Grange farm.
When Robert and Joan Eyre developed the manor site (post 1415), with their chapel in the gatehouse, they honoured Our Lady with the Virgin of Virgins, Rosa Mystica and St Thomas references in the building and in the Eyre embroideries’ ‘Theotokos’ prayers (God Bearer or Mother of God).
The Rosary will have been prayed many times both at and on journeys between the two sites.
Let us join the White Canons in their tradition of saying this prayer when passing an image of Our Lady, ‘For the sake of the love of thy Mother, spare us O Jesus’.
Padley Chapel Shrine is open Sundays (2.00 – 4.00 pm) until 4th October 2026.
If you would like to explore alternative visit times or join the Welcomers, or would like a copy of ‘A Pilgrim’s guide to Padley’, (also available for sale on Sundays), please contact [email protected].G.Bonner
