The Chantry Chapel of St Mary the Virgin was built in the mid 14th century when the stone bridge on which it stands replaced a wooden one. It is one of only four surviving bridge chapels in England (amazingly there were once four chantry chapels in Wakefield itseld) and, with the bridge, is a scheduled ancient monument and a Grade I listed building. The original stonework can be seen at the base, although the upper part, including the west front, was rebuilt in 1847-8.
The Friends of Wakefield Chantry Chapel, established in 1990 in collaboration with the Civic Society, exist to ensure the chapel is kept in good repair and is made available to visitors. In 1995 major roof repairs were carried out, and the building was re-wired and new lighting and heating systems were installed. Recently the interior has undergone substantial reordering with the removal of pew platforms, a new stone floor and new seating. The Chantry is now under the authority of the Dean and Chapter of Wakefield Cathedral.
The main purpose of these chapels was to allow travellers to pray for a safe journey as they left a town, or to give thanks for a safe journey as they entered town.
Thank you all once again for all your generous comments and favs, which put this shot on the trending page.
I'm very curious to see the interior of this church, but sadly there are few occasions when it is open. I'm als intrigued to know how the fishermen got onto the gravel bank, which has fast flowing channels either side of it!
@fishers I wondered that too Ian, particularly as one has brought his bike with him! They're both wearing waders so perhaps the channels are not that deep?
Thank you all once again for all your generous comments and favs, which put this shot on the trending page.
I'm very curious to see the interior of this church, but sadly there are few occasions when it is open. I'm als intrigued to know how the fishermen got onto the gravel bank, which has fast flowing channels either side of it!
Ian