The Lumley Chapel, Cheam (London Borough of Sutton, formerly Surrey). Churches Conservation Trust

The former chancel to the medieval Parish Church of St Dunstan's Cheam, the chapel was requsitioned by John Lumley, Lord Lumley (died 1609), who lived nearby at Nonsuch Palace as a burial place for himself and his children at the end of the 16th century. The building may date to the pre-conquest period, as evidenced by blocked half-round headed windows in the north wall, but was re-roofed in the 14th century. Lumley redecorated the interior, adding the fine ceiling dated 1592, a new south window (blocked) and probably the east window, possibly taken from the remains of Merton Priory nearby to the north. The monuments he created for his family are individual in design, that to his first wife Jane (died 1577) also commemorates their three children, who predeceased her; they are shown in an architectural setting which is likely to represent Nonsuch Palace. His monument is a huge tablet containing references to his ancestry, while that to his second wife Elizabeth (died 1616) shows her in the fine costume of the day. Around them are smaller monuments to Cheam society dating from the 14th to the 19th centuries, many of which were removed here from the old church when it was demolished in about 1865, creating an intense sculptural display. While a compact space, the building has great atmosphere and is wonderful place to sit in peace while admiring the surroundings.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 13 September:

1400 - 1700

Location & directions

The Lumley Chapel, St Dunstan’s Churchyard, Church Road, Cheam, Greater London, SM3 8QH

Directions:

The steeple of the Victorian parish church of St Dunstan's is a great visual aid to locating us. We are situated towards the north end of the village along the A2043, tucked behind the Library and War memorial Garden on the east side. Church Road is opposite the Old Rectory on the main Road, and near Whitehall (London Borough of Sutton museum). Parking is available behind the Library (access from Park Road).

Contact on day:

Andrew Skelton

Telephone number:

+442086692314

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

The paths up to the chapel are uneven, as is the floor inside. There is a large step into the chapel.

Additional information

There are a number of historic buildings in the locality, including Whitehall (open to the public).

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