Monday 10 July 2023

THE AUCTION in aid of the Two Churches One Town Appeal, held in Beverley Minster on Saturday, raised just short of £39,000, with the top price of £4,400 reached for one of the Minster’s ancient stone pinnacles. In total, 20 pinnacles, dating back to the 13th century, were auctioned, raising £15,720.

Bargain Hunt presenter Caroline Hawley, who conducted the auction, said there had been huge amount of interest in the auction, with bidders online from around the world, including China and the United States, as well as a packed Minster. “We had put loads of chairs out but in the event people were standing at the sides,” she said.

200 lots came under the hammer, including ancient artefacts from both the Minster and St Mary’s Church, as well as items donated by the public. Fourteen ninth century oak pews from St Mary’s Church raised over £3,000 while a 19th century hand cart originally used at Beverley Minster fetched £1,000. Among the highlights from public lots were a walnut long-case clock, which fetched £1,000, a silver coffee pot, which sold for £500 and a nine carat gold pocket, which also went under the hammer for £500.

The Two Churches One Town Appeal has a target of raising £20 million over the next ten years to save the Minster and St Mary’s from falling into disrepair. To date, £4.6 million has been raised. Caroline Hawley told Beverley FM she was approached numerous times during the auction by people asking if it was still possible to donate to the appeal and said Hawleys had decided they will accept items for a special section in their future auctions, with all the proceeds going to the appeal.

The next one will be held September 9 and 10 at Beverley Racecourse when cameras for Bargain Hunt are planned to be in attendance. Anyone with potential items can contact Hawley’s via email: info@hawleys.info or telephone their office on 01482 868193.