Chapel

CORBRIDGE DILSTON HALL NY 96 SE 9/130 Chapel 15.4.69 GV I

Roman Catholic Chapel, early C17 perhaps incorporating medieval fabric, reroofed c.1850. Coursed rubble with roughly-shaped quoins and cut dressings; stone slate roof (formerly lead). Simple rectangular plan with narrower western stair turret. Gothic Survival style.

South wall stair turret + 3 bays. Turret has chamfered loop and moulded string below crenellated moulded parapet; west face has chamfered loop and corbelled projection to left; on north side a blocked doorway with triangular head beneath empty panel and chamfered loops. Bellcote behind has triangular-headed opening and moulded cap. Nave has old boarded door on south in moulded surround with flattened triangular head, with 2 chamfered single-light windows (upper to former gallery) and south-east window of 3 pointed lights in square frame, with hoodmould. North wall shows three 3-light windows, with traces of blocked door beneath the western; built-in slab with cross and inscription MARIA, in moulded surround. East end has window of 3 pointed lights under round-headed arch with hoodmould; panel with Radcliffe arms above. Roman tombstone built into wall below and small loop to Derwentwater vault just above ground level.

Interior: Old box stalls with fielded panelling, C18 altar rails with moulded balusters. Old boarded stair in chamfered surround. 4-bay roof has cambered tie beams carrying purlins and ridge; central tie shows mortices for timbers of former gallery (Derwentwater family pew). C17 iron-bound chest. Clear leaded glass in all windows. Derwentwater vault (not seen) has stone stair, beneath flag in chancel, and ribbed vault.

Rare example of a Post-Reformation Recusant Chapel, traditionally said to have been built with finances raised for the Gunpower Plot (1605). Anglican from 1733. The Derwentwater Vault was cleared in 1874.

Listing NGR: NY9751163211