Chapel of St Mary Magdalene, Ludlow

Chapel of St Mary Magdalene (Ludlow)
Chapel of St Mary Magdalene (Ludlow)
Chapel of St Mary Magdalene (Ludlow)
52°22′03″N 2°43′24″W / 52.36751°N 2.72338°W / 52.36751; -2.72338
LocationLudlow, Shropshire
CountryEngland
Architecture
Heritage designation
Grade I listed
StyleNorman
Years built
c. 1150

The Chapel of St Mary Magdalene is a Grade I listed[1] ruined Norman chapel located inside the inner bailey of Ludlow Castle, Shropshire, England. It is notable for its Norman Doorway, and was partially restored in 2018.[2]

History

Norman doorway, Round Chapel, Ludlow Castle

The Chapel of St Mary Magdalene dates from the 12th century and is a rare survivor of a church with a round nave. The chancel, which does not survive (though its remains are visible), was rectangular.[3] The chapel was built in the first half of the 12th Century, most likely by Gilbert de Lacy.[4]

The chapel was remodelled in the early 16th Century, most likely around 1502 for the installation of the eldest son of King Henry VII, Arthur, Prince of Wales.[4]

Over many centuries, like Ludlow Castle, the chapel fell into ruin. The ruins underwent extensive restoration in 2018; a new roof was installed, and the chapel today serves as a wedding venue.[5] Much of the original Norman carving survives, including the arches of the door openings, as well as a variety of capitals and moulded arches.[4]

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Historic England. "Ludlow Castle, the standing structural remains (1291698)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 22 June 2026.
  2. ↑ Chapel doorway at historicengland.org.uk Retrieved 3 May 2026
  3. ↑ Chapel of St Mary Magdalene at www.ludlowcastle.com Retrieved 4 May 2026
  4. 1 2 3 Ludlow Castle and Chapel at historicengland.org.uk Retrieved 4 May 2026
  5. ↑ Chapel of St Mary Magdalene Official website Retrieved 3 May 2026

References