Morpeth Chantry facts for kids
The Morpeth Chantry, also known as All Saints Chantry, is a very old and important building in Morpeth, Northumberland. It stands right next to where an ancient bridge crossed the River Wansbeck. This building is so special that it's listed as a Grade I listed building, which means it's one of the most important historic buildings in England!
How Old is the Chantry?
The Morpeth Chantry was built around the year 1296. For many years, it had two main jobs. First, it was a small church, or chapel, dedicated to All Saints, where people could pray. Second, it worked as a toll house. This meant that people crossing the bridge over the River Wansbeck would pay a small fee here. The person in charge of the chapel, called a chaplain, also had another important role: they were the schoolmaster, teaching local children.
From Chapel to School
Over time, big changes happened in England. In the 1500s, kings started to close down many religious buildings. King Henry VIII closed monasteries, and then his son, King Edward VI, closed chantries like this one in 1547. This meant the Morpeth Chantry was "deconsecrated," which means it was no longer used for religious purposes.
But the building soon got a new purpose! In 1552, King Edward VI gave special permission, called a Royal Charter, to start a free grammar school there. A "free grammar school" was a school where students didn't have to pay fees. This school became known as King Edward VI School. It stayed in the Chantry building until 1846, when a new school was built somewhere else in Morpeth.
What is it Now?
After the school moved out, the Morpeth Chantry was used for different kinds of businesses. For example, it was even a factory that made mineral water (fizzy drinks)!
By 1974, the building was looking quite old and neglected. The local government bought it and decided to fix it up. After a lot of "restoration" (making it look new again) and "refurbishment" (improving it), the Chantry opened again in 1984.
Today, the Morpeth Chantry is used by the community. It's home to several interesting places, including:
- The Northern Poetry Library, which has many books of poems.
- The Northumbria Craft Centre, where you can see and buy local crafts.
- The Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum, which shows off different types of bagpipes.
- The Tourist Information Office, where visitors can find out more about Morpeth.
