Ruins Of The Chapel Of St James, The Old Bell Chapel

Chapel, C15 with rebuilding in 1612 and 1818, now ruinous.

MATERIALS: squared sandstone roughly laid to courses. Finely dressed sandstone bell turret.

PLAN: nave and north aisle forming a single cell chapel of six bays, with a small vestry or chapel projecting from the east end, to the north of the east window. 1818 bell turret formally projected from the centre of the west gable.

DESCRIPTION: the east wall survives to nearly full height and includes a single, two-centred arched window with simple Perpendicular style panel tracery. Externally this window has a hood mould with carved-head stops. Set in the wall internally to the north of the window are three inscribed date stones: 1587; 1756; and “THIS CHAPPELL WAS BUILDED BY…..IIIIII E FREEMASON IN THE YEARE OF OUT LORDE 1612” The side walls are reduced to below window sill height, the south wall being footings only. At the west end there is a stone built plinth supporting the octagonal, crenulated bell turret. The projecting vestry or chapel survives to full height, but is largely roofless. It has edge set quoins, shaped kneelers to the gable, and a three light window.

Listing NGR: SE1058232681

This listing was enhanced in 2016 to mark the bicentenary of Charlotte Bronte’s birth.