SK7648 : Elston Chapel
taken 3 years ago, near to Elston, Nottinghamshire, England
The full history of this interesting chapel is rather shrouded in mystery. What can be said for certain is that it is no longer a consecrated place of worship, and is in the guardianship of the Churches Conservation Trust, which describes it as follows:
"The most significant external feature is the Norman doorway, with zig-zag decoration nearly a thousand years old. Look out for the graffiti from 1717 on the door jamb. Much of the fabric dates from the 14th and 15th centuries. In the early 19th century it was refitted simply with pine pews and a gallery, but after decades of disuse and decay the chapel was placed in the care of the Trust. Recent work has uncovered several layers of wall paintings, the latest being Georgian biblical texts. A large royal coat of arms is featured on the north wall."
More recent research suggests that it may have been the chapel of St Leonard's hospital, sold in 1576. Link
The interior has been well restored with a fine set of late Georgian pews. The importance of the building is indicated by the fact that it is Listed grade I.