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Woodstock and District

Historic Churches visit Bartlemas Chapel

This was so differrent from our previous visit - the Russian Orthodox in New Marston! there, a highly decorated and ornate Church, home to a thriving congregation and commmunity. Here, though similarly sized, a plain building, lacking almost any ornamentation or focus for worship, and only used once a month for Evensong.

We were met by Christopher, a local guide, who told us of the history of the building --- from it's foundation by Henry I in 1126 (this is it's 900th anniversary!) as part of a hospital for Leppers - it could accommodate 12 plus a chaplain, and was built, outside the city walls of Oxford to quarantine the lepers, who were of course regarded as being very dangerous, as they could spread the disease.

The rich history - which is not completely unsullied as funds were misappropriated and housing misused - is well written up in a £0.50 leaflet, and there good information on line too, especially wikipedia.

There were just 6 of us, some deterred by the again wet weather! But a good trip, enhanced by stopping at the nearby pub for lunch!

There's a BBC article about the 900th anniversary here

  • The west door and window, surrounded by well trimmed trees
  • the East Window
  • a window on the south wall, with bible, candlesticks, and flower arrangement
  • The interior, plain whitewashed walls, and the oak screen separating the nave and chancel areas
  • An open prayerbook
  • Framed text about the Chapel
  • one of the original wall decorations, a painted cross faintly visible
  • the roof, with plain shields
  • a view of the interior, the oak screen, a window and the only picture - St B himself! on the wall
  • P1020845
  • The only Ledger stone (memorial stone) in the building.
  • Joyous Stained Glass on the window cill with light coming through it;
  • The way in - an ancient doorway with an arch above
  • the chapel from the gate