St Mary's Bridge Chapel facts for kids
St Mary's Bridge Chapel is a very old and special building in Derby, England. It is a Church of England chapel. This chapel is unique because it was built right on a bridge! It is one of only a few medieval bridge chapels still standing in England today. It is considered a Grade I listed building, which means it is very important historically and architecturally.
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Discovering St Mary's Bridge Chapel in Derby
The Chapel of St Mary on the Bridge is often called the Bridge Chapel. It was built on the first arch of a medieval bridge. This old bridge crossed the River Derwent. You can still see parts of the old arch below the chapel's east wall. Today, the chapel stands next to the newer St Mary's Bridge. This bridge was built much later, between 1788 and 1793.
How Old is the Bridge Chapel?
No one knows the exact date when the first bridge chapel was built. But experts believe it was likely constructed a long time ago. This would have been in the late 13th or early 14th century. The chapel's south side has a wooden gable. This sits above a stone window from the 15th century. The window has modern glass.
The original building was made of stone. Some parts have been repaired using brick. The inside of the chapel is small. It has no side aisles. On the north wall, there is a special window called a lychnoscope.
A Chapel with Many Lives
St Mary's Bridge Chapel is one of only six bridge chapels left in England. Over the years, this building has been used for many different things. It was once a prison. It was also used as a carpenter's workshop.
The chapel was restored in 1930. This was done in memory of Alfred Seale Haslam. He was a former Mayor of Derby. His family provided the money for the restoration.
A Place of Remembrance
On the north side of the chapel, there is a special stone tablet. It lists the names of three Catholic priests. Their names are Nicholas Garlick, Robert Ludlum, and Richard Simpson. These three men died for their beliefs near this spot on July 24, 1588.
Modern Use of the Chapel
Even though the chapel belongs to the Church of England, it is also used by other Christian groups. Lutheran congregations, including Latvian and German speakers, hold services there. The Russian Orthodox church also uses the building for worship.
Nearby Historic Structures
The current St Mary's Bridge is also a historic structure. It was designed by Thomas Harrison. This bridge is a Grade II* listed structure. It is also a scheduled monument, meaning it is protected. Next to the chapel is Bridge Chapel House. This building is also known as St Mary's Bridge House. It is listed at Grade II, showing its historical importance.
See also
- Chantry Chapel of St Mary the Virgin, Wakefield
- Rotherham Bridge
- St Ives Bridge (Cambridgeshire)
