THESE pictures are an amazing record of the catastrophic fire which ripped through Selby Abbey 100 years ago this week.

The fire was discovered by a Mr and Mrs Sykes just before midnight on October 19, 1906. They alerted the Verger, Mr Bagshaw. The fire, however, was already well advanced. Flames were pouring from a window and a plume of smoke billowed from the top of the central tower.

Selby fire brigade's efforts to tackle the blaze were delayed because the town's water supply was cut off at night. A fire engine arrived by train from York, later to be joined by a Leeds Fire appliance hauled by seven horses.

Throughout the night, many of the townspeople gathered to watch as the fire wreaked devastation. A rumour spread that it had been caused by a workman who left a candle burning while working on the installation of a new organ - but this was never proved.

By 10am, sheets had been placed at the Abbey's south and east gates for shocked passers-by to make donations towards the cost of restoration. The sum of £39,000 was raised very quickly, and within a month there was enough money to begin work. Donations were made from the length and breadth of the country - with two of the main benefactors being King Edward VII and the Prince of Wales.

The nave was restored in 1907, the choir in 1909 - but the mammoth task of restoration was not completed until 1935. Selby Museum Group, which supplied these photos, has a rich archive of photographs of the incident.

Many of them will be on show at an exhibition being held this week on Thursday, Friday and Sunday in the Abbey. The group has also published a book - Selby Abbey Fire: A Selection Of Photographs From Selby Museum Group - which is available in the town library and at the Abbey bookstore, priced £3.50.