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

The ruins of the Chapel of St James, known as the Old Bell Chapel, date back to the 15th century, with rebuilding occurring in 1612 and 1818. The structure is now in a ruinous state.

The chapel is constructed from squared sandstone laid in rough courses, with a finely dressed sandstone bell turret. It features a nave and north aisle that form a single cell chapel of six bays, along with a small vestry or chapel that projects from the east end, located to the north of the east window. The bell turret from 1818 originally projected from the center of the west gable.

The east wall remains nearly intact and includes a single two-centred arched window adorned with simple Perpendicular style panel tracery. This window features a hood mould with carved-head stops on the exterior. Internally, to the north of the window, there are three inscribed date stones: one reads 1587, another 1756, and the third states, “THIS CHAPPELL WAS BUILDED BY…..IIIIII E FREEMASON IN THE YEARE OF OUT LORDE 1612.” The side walls have been reduced to below window sill height, with the south wall now consisting of footings only. At the west end, there is a stone-built plinth that supports the octagonal, crenulated bell turret.

The projecting vestry or chapel still stands to full height but is largely without a roof. It features edge-set quoins, shaped kneelers at the gable, and a three-light window.

This listing was enhanced in 2016 to commemorate the bicentenary of Charlotte Brontë’s birth.