Chapel Of St Edmund'S House (Roman Catholic)

Chapel of St Edmund's House is a Roman Catholic chapel built between 1915 and 1916, designed by Fr. Benedict Williamson, C.SS.S. The roof pitch was raised in 1955, and a ritual west entrance porch was added by Cedric Brown. The high altar and side altars were removed in 1967-1968 for liturgical reasons. The building is constructed of brick in English bond with stone dressings, and the roof is tiled. Inside, the stone dressings are complemented by plastered and painted white nave walls. The chapel consists of a nave and chancel with four bays, the westernmost bay being narrower. It features a clerestorey and north and south aisles with side chapels, each containing a carved screen and reredos. There are two steps leading up to the chancel and side chapels in the eastmost bay. The flat timber roof includes tie beams, ridge and side purlins, and is boarded between the rafters. The narrow bay above the sacrarium and the broader bay over the chancel are decorated with painted stencils. The chapel is designed in a Tudor Revival style, characterized by its simplicity and elegance. It presents an austere and restrained interior where the high proportions of the nave create a pleasing effect. This building is an interesting example of a structure designed by a Catholic priest who was also a qualified architect.