Magdalen Chapel, Bath. Chapel, garden and ancient graveyard

Magdalen Chapel, its small, but charming adjoining garden and ancient graveyard is situated on Holloway just outside the centre of the city. The chapel itself has seen various iterations, but is currently part of the St John's Foundation who manage almshouses in Bath. It is a 'peculiar' - that is although part of the Diocese of Bath and Wells, it is not a parish church.
The origins of the Chapel are obscure and have been the subject of much scholarly conjecture. The earliest hard facts are that sometime between 1090 and 1100 a deed of gift was made by Walter Hosat, granting the Chapel of " the Blessed Mary Magdalene at Holeweye" to the Abbey Church of St Peter, Bath (now Bath Abbey); and that around the end of the twelfth century a small hospital for lepers was founded close to the Chapel and also consigned to the care of the Abbey's monks.
Restored and extended in the 19th century, Magdalen Chapel passed to the care of the Trustees of Bath Municipal Charities in 1894 and then to St John's Hospital. In 2012, The Magdalen Chapel Foundation and St John's Hospital amalgamated as charities, with St John's `hospital renamed as St John's Foundation in 2016.
The Chapel's ancient graveyard affords a wonderful view of Bath Abbey, whilst the adjoining Chapel garden offers a sanctuary of peace and quiet on the walk up from the city.
The Chapel is a growing community of around 40 members, holding regular services on Sundays and throughout the week.

Timings

Saturday 19 September:

Open 10am until 3pm

Location & directions

Magdalen Chapel, Holloway, Bath, Somerset, BA2 4QR

Directions:

Magdalen Chapel is located across the river from the railway and bus stations in central Bath, less that 1 km up Holloway, a steep hill.

Contact on day:

Ros Hicks

Telephone number:

+447870560978

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

The Chapel is located up a steep hill with no public transport. Limited on street parking is available nearby. The Chapel is accessed up a single step. The side garden is wheelchair friendly and the graveyard accessible once in the Chapel itelf. There is a toilet, but it is down a flight of stairs.

Additional information

Max number of people:

26

Estimated duration:

1 hour(s)

Check out our online channels

Back to results