Description

TM 13 NE HOLBROOK STUTTON ROAD

2/38 Chapel of the Royal Hospital
School

GV II*

School chapel. Circa 1925-33. Buckland and Heywood. Red brick, stone dressings.
Roofs of interlocking Mediterranean type red tiles, hipped to east of nave, apse
to chancel, hipped to north and south of west entrance portico, flat roofs to single
storey north and south vestries. A large, tall building with angled walls to
eastern apse, this with no windows apart from segmental-headed basement lights.
The single storey, parapeted north and south vestries flank the apse and east walls
of nave, steps approach doorwlays with square heads in their eastern walls and there
are single lights to their north and south walls respectively. North and south
walls of nave are similar with parapets, moulded stone cornices and bands below;
moulded stone band below upper windows. Rusticated brick quoins and banded brick-
work below the lower stone band. The upper windows are of 3 bays of stone graduated
round-headed tripartite lights, leaded and with tracery. Below are 6 stone circular
lights with carved bayleaf and ribbon decoration and each with a different insignia.
Central stone surrounds to north and south doorways. The west entrance face with
central full-height portico, step approach to stone doorway, moulded capitals and
bases to pilasters, moulded cornice, double doors geometrically panelled. Tall
round-headed alcove above the doorway with the carved figure of a bishop. Dentilled
and moulded triangular pediment above parapet. A tall dome with moulded angle
columns surmounts the portico. Interior: West porch, panelled ashlar walls, curved
angles to walls and doorways. 2 marble stoups with round heads and semi-circular
basins to east wall. Patterned tiled floor. Plain ceiling with contemporary flat
rectangular light held in place by screws with moulded heads. Double doors, the
lower halves panelled the upper halves glazed with curved tracery lead into the
north and south side porches. These each with green marble stairs and wreathed
handrails which ascend to the gallery. Similar doors lead from each side porch
into the nave below the gallery. The gallery, of wood, has a forward central bay
with concave sides, is diagonally boarded with moulded cornice, it is supported
by ribbed columns with moulded bases and foliate capitals. The rear wall of
panelled slats with geometrically patterned bands. The font is placed centrally
below the gallery, octagonal bowl with rim, bulbous stem, moulded base. Nave roof
of three tall domed bays (of concrete) supported by wide rectangular columns
attached to the north and south walls from which spring round-headed crossing and
side arches. Low round-headed arches through each column form aisle walkways from
east to west. The chancel arch and dome are similar but narrower. A flight of
steps approach the ornate baldachino and a second flight approaches the high altar
under the panelled marble and mosaic apse. Below each chancel window is a recessed
round-headed arch, each with a mosaic, the westernmost arches to north and south
walls with double doors similar to inner porch doors leading into the vestries.
Each bay of the north and south walls of the nave have 3 graduated recessed arches
encompassing the upper and lower windows and doors, these lower features set within
3 lower round-headed arches. All windows with tracery, leading and coloured glass.
Walls and ceilings painted white. Floors of patterned tiles, those to chancel and
sanctuary of marble. Coloured marble and mosaic panelling to apse walls with frieze
over, above the frieze are 4 mosaics of the Life of Christ, the dome mosaic depict-
ing the Adoration of Christ. Reredos panel of Virgin and Child. Matching marble
high altar. The marble panelling continues through the recessed arches of the
chancel walls. The pedimented and vaulted baldachino is brightly painted, the 4
octagonal angle columns with moulded bases, carved angles and carved capitals with
insignia. The furnishings, of wood, are contemporary, mainly panelled and/or slated
and giving an angular appearance. The pulpit, approached by steps has a bowed front
and sounding board over, and is attached to the south face of a north eastern column.
Free standing lectern with brackets to base, 3 seat sedilia, panelled chairs and
reading desk, pews with slatted backs. The marble round-headed piscina and aumbry
are incorporated into the marble walls of the apse. Metal lamps hang in pairs by
long chains from the domes, the east faces flat with ornate edges, the west faces
with 4 rectangular angled lights with half domes and soffits.

Listing NGR: TM1672635223

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• Wikidata Q98825690

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

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