THE HISTORY OF CHET

The Crosby Hall Educational Trust (CHET) was founded in 1988 to establish and operate a residential educational centre through the conversion of the historic stables and farm buildings at Crosby Hall.

After a period of fund-raising during which generous contributions were received from a wide variety of sources, the building work commenced at the end of 1989 and was finally completed in March 1991. The Centre was opened by HRH The Princess Margaret on 8th May 1991.

The value of residential courses for children is widely recognised, because a period of community living is seen as an essential part of a child’s social and educational development, and can release energies and gifts not previously recognised. A period of concentration in a congenial environment, away

from the distractions and pressures of everyday life, can benefit students of all ages.

Most people today live in urban areas, but the countryside is part of their heritage. At the Crosby Hall Centre we introduce children to trees and fields, birds and animals, and many stimulating activities.

A particular concern of CHET is to make the facilities of the Centre available to all children and young people, regardless of handicap or the ability to pay. Provision is made at the Centre for the disabled, and, by means of a Bursary Fund, many children are able to come at minimum cost. The Bursary Fund is generously supported by over 200 “Chetfriends” who covenant a regular contribution.

THE HISTORY OF CROSBY HALL

Robert Blundell was knighted for supporting King Edward I and died on campaign in 1278. His grandfather, also Robert, had been granted the Manor of Great Crosby in 1189.  His grandson David married Anne Molyneux and through her the family inherited the Manor of Little Crosby in 1362, where the family have lived ever since, through 22 generations. The present Crosby Hall was built in about 1609, though later altered.  Richard Blundell adhered to the Catholic religion and died in prison in 1592.  Subsequent generations followed his lead and refused to conform, suffering imprisonment and fines.  William Blundell ‘the Recusant’ led the people of Little Crosby in forceful resistance to the authorities in the 1620s.  William Blundell “the Cavalier” fought and was wounded in the Civil War. Nicholas Blundell “the Diarist” kept a journal with daily entries from 1702 to 1728. William Blundell “Fundator” built the village church in Little Crosby in the 1840s, among the first Catholic churches to be built in England after the Reformation.  As an MP in the 1920s, Francis Nicholas Blundell initiated legislation to relieve Catholics from most remaining disabilities.