Chapel Plaister facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chapel Plaister |
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 15th-century chapel and hospice |
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 Chapel Plaister
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| OS grid reference | ST840678 |
| Civil parish |
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| Unitary authority |
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| Ceremonial county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Police | Wiltshire |
| Fire | Wiltshire |
| Ambulance | Great Western |
| EU Parliament | South West England |
| UK Parliament |
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Chapel Plaister is a small place in west Wiltshire, England. It's known as a hamlet, which is a very tiny village. The name comes from a historic chapel located there. This special chapel once served as a resting place for travelers.
Chapel Plaister is found on the B3109 road. This road connects the towns of Corsham and Bradford on Avon. It is about 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) south-east of Box. Corsham is about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) to the south-west.
The Historic Chapel
The most important building here is the small Anglican church. It was built as a roadside refuge for pilgrims. Pilgrims were people who traveled long distances for religious reasons. They were on their way to a holy site at Glastonbury. This site is linked to Joseph of Arimathea.
The chapel was first built around 1235. It was then rebuilt in 1340 by Richard Plaisted. He was from Castle Combe. The chapel was connected to the old parish church of Hazelbury. That church was about half a mile away but is now gone.
Chapel's Unique Design
In the 15th century, the chapel was made taller. A porch was added to the west side. The main part (nave) and the side part (transept) were made into two stories. The upper story of the nave was used as a hospice. A hospice was a place where travelers could rest and stay. The chancel, which is the area near the altar, was used for church services.
The chapel has been repaired several times. Major work was done in 1893 and again in 1999. In 1960, the building was given a special status. It was named a Grade I listed building. This means it is a very important historical site. Today, the church is part of the local church area of Box with Hazelbury and Ditteridge.
The Bell House
Next to the chapel is a building called Bell House. This building was once an inn, which is like a hotel, starting in the 17th century. It is now a private home. It's thought that Bell House might have included a hostel. This hostel would have been connected to the chapel. It would have provided more space for travelers to stay.
