Queen's Chapel Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Queen's Chapel
Marlborough Road front
Queen's Chapel Location in Greater London
51°30′18″N 0°08′13″W / 51.50500°N 0.13694°W / 51.50500; -0.13694
Location	London
Country	United Kingdom
Denomination	Church of England
Architecture
Architect(s)	Inigo Jones
Years built	1623–1625

The Queen's Chapel is a special church building in central London, England. It was designed by a famous architect named Inigo Jones. The chapel was built between 1623 and 1625. It was originally meant to be a Catholic chapel for a Spanish princess, Infanta Maria Anna. Later, it was used by Queen Henrietta Maria, who was married to King Charles I.

This chapel is part of the British monarch's religious group, called the Chapel Royal. However, it's important not to confuse it with another building also called the Chapel Royal, which is inside St. James's Palace. The Queen's Chapel is a very important historic building, listed as Grade I.

History of the Queen's Chapel
- Changes Over Time
- Location and Importance
Architecture and Design
Gallery
See also

History of the Queen's Chapel

The Queen's Chapel was built as a Catholic chapel. This was at a time when building Catholic churches was not allowed in England. Queen Henrietta Maria, who was French, used this chapel. She even brought special furniture for it from France.

Changes Over Time

During the English Civil War, the chapel was used as a stable for horses! After the war, it was fixed up in 1662. It was improved again in the 1680s by another famous architect, Christopher Wren.

In the 1690s, the chapel was used by Protestant members of the court of King William and Queen Mary. Later, in 1718, it was given to German members of King George I's court. Because of this, it was known as the German Chapel for a long time. A German organ player, Augustus Frederic Christopher Kollmann, worked there from 1782 for the rest of his life. His children also worked there after him.

The chapel became part of the official Chapel Royal again in 1938.

Location and Importance

The Queen's Chapel was originally connected to St James's Palace. But in 1809, the nearby royal apartments burned down. They were not rebuilt. Later, a road called Marlborough Road was built between the palace and the chapel. Now, the chapel looks like it's more connected to Marlborough House than to St James's Palace.

In 2002, the body of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother rested at the Queen's Chapel for several days. This was before her public lying-in-state in Westminster Hall and her funeral.

Architecture and Design

The Queen's Chapel is made of brick. However, it is covered to look like it is built from stone. It was designed in a style called Palladian. This style often includes triangle-shaped tops, called pediments, on the ends of buildings. Inside, the ceiling is decorated with gold and painted designs.