The Lady Chapel is one of the finest late 12th century buildings in Europe. It stands on the site of an earlier timber church dedicated to the Virgin Mary and claimed to have been founded by Joseph of Arimathea. The ‘Old Church’ was burnt in a great fire in 1184, along with many of the abbey’s buildings. The site was so sacred to the monastery and its pilgrims that rebuilding started immediately.
King Henry II’s chamberlain Ralph Fitzstephen oversaw the building work while no abbot was in post. He “completed the church of St Mary in the place where from the beginning the vetusta ecclesia [old church] had stood, building it of squared stone fo the most beautiful workmanship, omitting no possible ornament” (Adam of Domerham, 13th century).
The new chapel was deliberately constructed in a conservative Norman style to emphasise the antiquity of the site. The ornate building with four corner turrets was perhaps designed to resemble a precious reliquary or shrine.
This impressive doorway is carve with detailed sculptures illustrating the Life of the Virgin. Highly skilled stone carvers undertook the work on site. A similar grand entrance lies on the south side of the chapel. There the sculptures were never completed, perhaps because royal funding suddenly ended with the death of Henry II in 1189.
Click on the picture below for an explanation of some of the doorway carvings.
He he… I still haven’t been there yet.
You should
What a beautiful entrance.
It is stunning
Another one for the Bucket List, Cherry!!!
You would enjoy a visit there
I am amazed at how much decoration survives in that doorway, Cherie
It is quite fascinating that so much detail can still be seen
Just beautiful – lovely photos and the doorway is stunning. Can’t believe how much decoration still remains. Hope you have a very Happy Christmas.
Merry Christmas to you too