Abbey seeks £50,000 to complete £5m renovation

A historic abbey that is restoring its 19th Century stables has started a fundraising campaign to help raise £50,000 to complete the final phase of a £5m project.

The Delapre Abbey Preservation Trust, in Northampton, started work on its "A Stable Future" renovation programme a year ago and it is due to be completed in November.

It is asking businesses and individuals to purchase an embossed nameplate that will be permanently installed into the stables pathways.

The Trust said it will help "fund its future" as it converts the stables into a multi-purpose space for wellbeing, retail and events.

The nameplates will cost from £80 to £8,000 and will remain in place for a minimum of 10 years.

The nameplates could look like this [Buttress]

The scheme aims to "secure the future of the historic Stables".

Richard Clinton, the Trust's chief executive, said: "As we approach completion, we wanted to create an opportunity for businesses that share our commitment to the county's future to become part of this story in a lasting and meaningful way.

"This is far more than traditional sponsorship.

"Founder supporters will become part of the building itself, recognised within a place that will serve the community for generations through wellbeing, education, skills, heritage and culture.

"We hope local organisations will see this as an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to Northamptonshire and its heritage while creating a lasting legacy."

The 19th Century stables before restoration work started [Delapre Abbey]

The charity said it welcomed over 393,000 visitors in 2025, and it expects to reach 500,000 a year when the stables open.

The overall project, that also saw the restoration of an abandoned 19th Century cottage, has generated £2.74 million in local spend during its first year, the charity added.

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