Queen's Chapel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Queen's Chapel |
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Marlborough Road front
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 Queen's Chapel
Location in Greater London
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| 51°30′18″N 0°08′13″W / 51.50500°N 0.13694°W | |
| Location | London |
| Country | England |
| 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 stands right next to St. James's Palace.
It was first planned as a Catholic chapel for a Spanish princess, Infanta Maria Anna. She was supposed to marry King Charles I of England. However, the marriage never happened, so she never used it. Instead, King Charles I married Queen Henrietta Maria, who was Catholic. She and her royal helpers used the chapel. Later, it was used by different Protestant visitors at the royal court. The Queen's Chapel is part of the British monarch's religious buildings, called the Chapel Royal. It is a very important historical building, listed as Grade I.
History of the Queen's Chapel
The Queen's Chapel was built as a Catholic church. This was at a time when building Catholic churches was usually not allowed in England. King Charles I's wife, Queen Henrietta Maria, used it. She even brought special church items from France for it.
During the English Civil War, the chapel was used as a stable for horses. It was fixed up in 1662. Later, in the 1680s, another famous architect, Christopher Wren, helped to improve it.
From the 1690s, the chapel was used by Protestant courtiers. These were people from other parts of Europe who worked for King William and Queen Mary. In 1718, the chapel was given to German courtiers. They had moved to England with King George I. Because of this, the chapel became known as the German Chapel.
A German organ player named Augustus Frederic Christopher Kollmann started working there in 1782. He worked at the Royal German Chapel for the rest of his life. His son and daughter also worked there after him.
The chapel became part of the official Chapel Royal again in 1938.
The Queen's Chapel was originally connected to St James's Palace. But in 1809, the king's private rooms next door burned down. They were not rebuilt. Later, in 1856–57, 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 viewing in Westminster Hall. It was part of the preparations for her royal 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 built in a style called Palladian. This style is known for its balance and classical look.
The chapel has pointed roof ends called gables. These gables have triangular parts called pediments. Inside, the ceiling is curved and decorated. It is covered in gold and painted designs.
Gallery
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East and North walls
from Marlborough House grounds -
The Queen's Chapel in 1688 after being fixed up by Christopher Wren
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The German Chapel in 1819
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Plaque next to the Queen's Chapel
See also
