Fitzalan Chapel facts for kids
The Fitzalan Chapel is a special part of St. Nicholas Church, located on the grounds of Arundel Castle in West Sussex, England.
This church is quite unique because it's divided into two separate areas for worship. One part, the chancel (which is the Fitzalan Chapel), is used by Catholics. The other part, the nave and transepts, is used by Anglicans. The Fitzalan Chapel also serves as a private burial place for the Dukes of Norfolk and their families. It's considered a very important historical building, known as a Grade I listed building.
History of the Chapel
The building of the original Fitzalan Chapel was planned by Richard FitzAlan, 3rd Earl of Arundel. It was built as the Collegiate Church of the Holy Trinity in 1380. This was done by his son, Richard FitzAlan, 4th Earl of Arundel, whose family owned Arundel Castle.
The chapel is a great example of Perpendicular Gothic architecture. This style is known for its tall, thin windows and detailed stone carvings. Many important members of the Fitzalan and Howard families are buried here. Their tombs often have sculpted statues of them. Most of the recent Dukes of Norfolk are also buried in the chapel.
In 1643, during the English Civil War, the chapel was badly damaged. This happened when Parliament's army attacked Arundel Castle with cannons. For a long time, throughout the 1700s, the chapel was not well cared for. During this period, the Anglican church started using the western part of the building.
Major repairs to the Fitzalan Chapel began around 1837. This was thanks to Bernard Howard, 12th Duke of Norfolk. Later Dukes continued to expand and restore the chapel.
Today, the Fitzalan Chapel is looked after by an independent charity. This charity accepts donations to help keep the chapel in good condition. You can visit the chapel from the castle grounds.
Burials
The Fitzalan Chapel is the final resting place for many important historical figures. Most of these are members of the Fitzalan and Howard families, including many Dukes of Norfolk and their wives. Some notable people buried here include:
- Thomas FitzAlan, 5th Earl of Arundel (1381–1415)
- Philip Howard, 13th Earl of Arundel (1557–1595), who was later made a saint.
- Many Dukes and Duchesses of Norfolk, such as Bernard Howard, 12th Duke of Norfolk and Miles Fitzalan-Howard, 17th Duke of Norfolk.
See also
- Arundel Castle, where the chapel is located
- Arundel Museum, near the castle
- Earls of Arundel
- Arundel Cathedral
- Arundel Priory
