A to Z of Services

Visiting

Chapel Points of Interest

The Chapel

The Chapel is a rare survivor - one of only four in the country. It has been lovingly restored and preserved - and is still in use for regular services. Look closely at the walls and you can trace the remains of the original chapel, the dwelling place and the shop.

The Window

Marvel at the sheer number of symbols and initials skilfully woven into this window. Below are a few examples - we bet you could find more.

This is a photograph of the portcullis.

The portcullis stands for the time when the crypt was used as a gaol.

This is a photograph of the shell.

The shell is a symbol for travellers - the people who used the chapel.

This is a photograph of the initials JB, which stand for John Bokying

'JB' stands for John Bokying - he left money to build the chapel.

This is a photograph of the initial M, which stands for Mary Queen of Scots

'M' stands for Mary Queen of Scots who prayed in the chapel.

The Crypt

This is a photograph of the crypt.

The Chapel served as the town gaol for 47 years and it is from these times that the name 'Gaol Bridge' originates. The name survived in the memories of some of the town's older residents and could still be heard until quite recent times.

Unfortunately, we have little evidence of how the interior of the chapel looked at this time. BUT we do have the original cell doors from 1779 - complete with original graffiti. Why not come and see if any of YOUR ancestors were kept here...

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