St Nicholas Chapel, Chester facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Nicholas Chapel, Chester |
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St Nicholas Chapel
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| OS grid reference | SJ 405 663 |
| Built | c. 1300 |
| Built for | Simon de Albo |
| Architectural style(s) | Gothic |
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Listed Building – Grade II
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| Designated | 28 July 1955 |
| Reference no. | 1376350 |
| Reference no. | 1006777 |
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St Nicholas Chapel is an old building in Chester, England. It used to be a chapel, which is a small church. Over many years, this building has been used for lots of different things, like a theatre and a concert hall. Today, it is a shop.
This historic building is very important. It is protected as a Grade II listed building and a scheduled monument. This means it is a special place that needs to be kept safe because of its history and unique design.
Contents
The Chapel's Long History
St Nicholas Chapel was built around the year 1300. It was made for Simon de Albo, who was an abbot in Chester. An abbot is the leader of a monastery.
From Church to Community Hall
For a while, the building served as a church for the local area. But in 1488, it stopped being a church. It was then given to the Mayor and leaders of Chester. In 1545, a new floor was added inside. After this, it became a place for town meetings, called the Commonhall. It was also used as a Wool Hall, where wool was traded.
A Place for Entertainment
Later, the building became a popular spot for shows and fun. Around 1750, plays started to be performed there. It was then changed into the New Theatre in 1773. A few years later, in 1777–78, it became the Theatre Royal.
In 1854–55, a famous architect named James Harrison updated the building again. He turned it into a large hall for concerts and other events. At this time, it was known as the Music Hall. There is even an alleyway next to the building today called Music Hall Passage.
Modern Uses of the Building
After being a music hall, the building continued to change. It was used as a cinema, where people watched movies. Now, it is a shop. It has had many different lives over its long history!
Building Design and Materials
The St Nicholas Chapel building is made from strong materials like sandstone and brick. It has two floors and a roof with sloped sides, called a gable roof, covered in grey slate.
Old and New Architecture
You can still see some parts of the original stone walls from the Middle Ages on the south side of the building. The front of the building, which faces the street, was designed by James Harrison. It is in the Gothic style, which means it has pointed arches and fancy decorations, like old cathedrals.
Images for kids
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St Nicholas Chapel in Chester
