The Chapel of St John the Evangelist and the Fisherman Apostles

On my first visit to Winchester Cathedral one of the south transept chapels, The Chapel of St John the Evangelist and the Fisherman Apostles, drew me in. Within this chapel can be found the grave of Izaak Walton, who became famous as the author of ‘The Complete Angler’.

The Chapel of St John the Evangelist and the Fisherman Apostles

The modern altar by Peter Eugine Ball is carved from an oak tree that was felled in a storm. It depicts scenes of swirling water and several types of fish that are mentioned in Isaak’s book.

The Chapel of St John the Evangelist and the Fisherman Apostles

The Chapel of St John the Evangelist and the Fisherman Apostles

Next to the altar is a statue, also by Peter Eugine Ball, entitled Pieta, which depicts the deep grief and faith of the Mother of Jesus. The statues to either side of the altar depict the fisherman’s apostles Peter and Andrew as do the stained glass window which also incorporates Isaak Walton sitting next to Winchester’s River Itchen. The seats made of green oak by Alison Crowther feature gentle ripples and wave-like backs. This completes the theme of sitting by a riverside and being refreshed by the blessings of nature.

I took time to sit quietly and reflect in this tranquil space…

Izaak Walton

On my more recent visit to the Cathedral last October I was disappointed to find that this part of the Cathedral was blocked off due to ongoing renovation works.

18 Comments CherryPie on Mar 14th 2017

18 Responses to “The Chapel of St John the Evangelist and the Fisherman Apostles”

  1. The Yum List says:

    Those stained glass windows are beautiful.

  2. lisl says:

    What a beautiful little Chapel, Cherie. Everything seems to fit with in and blend so well

  3. Amfortas says:

    I have a small church nearby. It is beautiful. But that place you show has a quietness and simplicity that is so attractive to an old hermit.

  4. shabana says:

    thank you for giving us a virtual tour of this marvelous chapel .
    you always come up with wonderful places friend!

  5. Alan says:

    It’s fascinating t learn so much about the Cathedral that is just 12 miles from home. I never knew that it contained the grave of Izaak Walton.

    • CherryPie says:

      I loved the Cathedral as soon as I walked into it on my first visit to Winchester. There is just something about it, it has a special atmosphere.

      The atmosphere was disrupted a little on my more recent visit due to the ongoing renovations. The renovations were in the middle portion of the Cathedral rather than on one end as they were on our last visit.

      It just means I will have to return again when the renovations have moved on.

  6. What a beautiful chapel – I really like the modern altar. Very interesting post and lovely photos Cherie. No wonder you were disappointed it was closed during your recent visit.

  7. That looks a wonderfully light, peaceful, place. Must admit I’m only vaguely aware of Izaak Walton – the idea of fishing for pleasure makes my eyes glaze over. But I love the way that chapel is presented. Haven’t been to Winchester for years…so much to see there and I love it up on Old Winchester Hill.

    • CherryPie says:

      The chapel does have a lovely light and it is quite peaceful. I have not read the book, but knowing what it is about I think it has a metaphorical aspect to it.

  8. James Higham says:

    Fishing is a major motif.

  9. I like the last panel!
    What’s in his mind?
    What not to fish?
    What fish to have tonight?
    Can we skip fish on Fridays?