Chapel In The Grounds Of The Royal Victoria Hospital

The Chapel in the grounds of the Royal Victoria Hospital was built between 1856 and 1863 by Mennie, the War Department Surveyor. This large structure was originally positioned at the rear of the long-fronted military hospital facing Southampton Water, which has since been demolished, leaving the chapel with an unfinished wall on its south-west side. The chapel features a classical design in a simple rectangular shape, with a tower that once linked it to the main hospital blocks.

It has eight bays on the sides, divided by pilasters that support a blind arcade containing round-headed narrow windows. The details are in the Tuscan Order style, with stone keystones in the arcade and a granite plinth, while the main walls are constructed of red brick in Flemish bond. The north front, or east end, has a configuration of three windows, also adorned with Roman Tuscan Order details, and the gable is designed as a pediment.

The tower is substantial, with a square base that rises above the roof height. Its upper section features ornamental treatment starting with broaches, transitioning to an octagonal shape. Above a cornice, the stone structure has stepped back walling that supports a pavilion of open arches framed by keystones, architraves, pilasters, and an entablature on brackets. At the top, there is a cupola crowned with a classical finial. The building continues to hold its status as a Royal Chapel.