Opening of St. John's Chapter House

Situated next to the eastern ruins, the Chapter House was the meeting place of the clergy when St John’s was a collegiate church. As such a church, worship was through a college of canons – a non-monastic community of clergy.

The eastern ruins of the church and the unused Chapter House are a legacy of the Reformation. The eastern part of St John’s was demolished in the 16th century. After the Dissolution it became a parish church, but the building was too big for just its parishioners.

*Please note that the Chapter House being open is subject to suitable weather and may not be open if wet.

This is a drop-in event and booking is not required.

A system will be in place to organise entry in batches should there be large numbers seeking to visit the Chapter House.

The Church is open from 11am if you wish to visit. There will be a drop-in concert by the Dunelm Duo from 1pm and guided tours will be taking place in the afternoon. There will be a talk entitled A Trek through Triassic Chester at 7.30pm-8.45pm by Paul Hyde. Tours and talk have separate HODs entries and are bookable via eventbrite.

Timings

Wednesday 16 September:

14:00 - 16:00

Location & directions

St. John the Baptist's Church, Little St. John Street, Vicar's Lane, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 1QX

Directions:

What3Words location:///cities.vast.caring (entrance to the Chapter House) The Chapter House is located at the eastern end of the Church and is accessed through the eastern ruins outside the main church. There will be volunteer support to help direct people to the Chapter House via the eastern ruins and, if necessary, manage access into the Chapter House.

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

The Chapter House has uneven surfaces and many artefacts making it problematic for wheelchair users. The route to the Chapter House also involves negotiating steps and loose gravel paths. The Chapter House is a restricted space and so access may be delayed whilst others finish their visit.

Additional information

Given the nature of the outside route to the Chapter House as well as the interior please wear suitable footwear. If the day is chilly warm clothes (i.e. layers) would be sensible. The Chapter House can have some drips of water – especially in wet weather Only assistance dogs are welcome for this event. Please note that refreshments will be available from the inside the main church (in the café) to purchase prior to or after visiting the Chapter House – there will be a small charge (proceeds go to St John’s).

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