Chapel of Love.

The title is taken from the hit song "Chapel of Love" by The Dixie Cups in 1964. There has been many other versions since by other famous artists.

Now I love this little chapel in the small hamlet of Shortwood in Gloucestershire, but was shocked recently when I visited and found an auction sign on the building. It seems it could become a home or a hall or anything not related to it's original purpose. It has also been suggested as a children's day nursery.

Please, this is a beautiful tranquil place where people have been laid to rest, and I think this should be respected.

I'm off my soapbox. Best viewed with the magnify button above the pic.

[Gerry]

what a beautiful photo fav

[Susan Golding]

Delightful little Chapel. It is sad when these places seem to be no longer needed.

[Lady Magpie (Heather)]

@windridge Thank you and agreed Susan.

[David]

Nicely composed and great light

[J A Byrdlip]

And what do they do with the graveyard if it is sold and is no longer a church/chapel? who's responsible for moving and placing the departed?

[virtualbrownie]

I agree with you about chapel conversions - just does not feel right

[Lady Magpie (Heather)]

@killeen @byrdlip @virtualbrownie Thank you all. They leave the graves there, they date back to the 1700's. That's one thing that worries me if it becomes a children's nursery, image them running around on top of the graves,

[Lin]

A beautiful and peaceful capture - I love the large tree at the left - glad you included it.

[Kathie]

Beautiful and quaint church. Always sad to see they can't be maintained.

[Lady Magpie (Heather)]

@linnypinny @kathiecb Thank you ladies, much appreciated.

[Glenn Mostert]

Well captured Lady Heather! Beautiful shot!

[Claire]

Oh it is gorgeous, so many are now vacant, if there is parking I bet it gets made into a nursery!

[Lady Magpie (Heather)]

@gmost @claireuk Thank you, yes there is plenty of parking Claire.

[Phil Cameron]

a great shot Heather and a lovely place of worship for so many years, undoubtedly listed prob Grade 1 so will protect the building at least. Not so the usage and its part in the community image if this was your place of worship for many years its a shame eh !
sorry me on my soap box too .

[Lady Magpie (Heather)]

@philcameron59 Thanks Phil, my main concern is that the churchyard is preserved.

[Julie]

one wonders what will happen to the graveyard.... that's quite eerie... nice shot hev!

[Lady Magpie (Heather)]

@tuning4ork Thanks Jules, we are keeping an eye on the chapel.

[John]

Beautiful building! I hope it can be saved and used in a respectful manner.

[Lady Magpie (Heather)]

@congaree Thank you John.

[Alice Burghart]

Really nicely done. Love this old church with the gravestones in front. fav

[Lady Magpie (Heather)]

@libertylady Thank you Alice , really appreciate your FAV. Let's hope it stays in the hands of the village.