Chapel in the Wood, Strawberry Hill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chapel in the Wood |
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Front of the chapel
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| General information | |
| Type | Chapel |
| Architectural style | early Gothic Revival |
| Location | Strawberry Hill, London, England, UK |
| Completed | 1774 |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 1 |
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Listed Building – Grade I
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| Official name | Chapel in the Wood, Strawberery Hill |
| Designated | 25 May 1983 |
| Reference no. | 1253028 |
The Chapel in the Wood is a beautiful old chapel. You can find it on the grounds of St Mary's University in Strawberry Hill, London. This chapel is a great example of early Gothic Revival architecture. This means it was built to look like older Gothic churches. It is also a very important building, listed as a Grade I listed building. This is the highest level of protection for historic buildings in England.
Contents
Discovering the Chapel's History
This special chapel was built a long time ago, between 1772 and 1774. It was made for a famous person named Horace Walpole. The chapel was originally part of his large home, Strawberry Hill House.
How the Chapel Changed Over Time
Over the years, more buildings were added around the chapel. These new buildings eventually became part of St Mary's University. Because of this, the chapel is now separate from Horace Walpole's original house.
Exploring the Chapel's Design
The roof of the Chapel in the Wood is made of slate. The front of the chapel uses a special white stone called Portland stone. Its design was inspired by a tomb found in Salisbury Cathedral.
Inside the Chapel: A Pretty Ceiling
Inside, the ceiling is vaulted, meaning it has a curved, arching shape. It is decorated in blue and gold colors. A famous expert, Sir Nikolaus Pevsner, once said the ceiling was "pretty."
Restoring and Rededicating the Chapel
The chapel has been carefully looked after over the years. In 1954, it went through a big restoration project. This means it was repaired and made beautiful again.
New Additions to the Chapel
After its restoration, the chapel was rededicated to the Virgin Mary. A new statue of the Virgin Mary was brought all the way from Italy. Some new stained glass windows were also added, making the chapel even more colorful and bright.
