IMAGES OF MEDIEVAL ART AND ARCHITECTURE

ENGLAND: Tewkesbury Abbey

The Beauchamp Chapel


This chapel was built for  Richard Beauchamp  by his wife  Isabelle de Despenser.  It was begun in 1422 and took 16 years  to complete. Richard Beauchamp was Earl of Abergavenny and Worcester, and was Isabel's first husband. Around the molding is inscribed Mementoe Dne Isabelle le Despenser, Cometisse de Warwyk, quae hanc capellam fundavit in honore bte Marie Magdalene, et obiit Londiniis apud Mnes ao dni MCCCCXXXIX. die Scti Jhis Evangeste. Et sepulta est i choro i dextra patris sui: cuj. ame ppitieur Deus. Amen (Remember the Lady Isabelle  Despenser, Countess of Warwick, who founded this chapel to honor St. Mary Magdalen, and died in the Minories in London , A.D. 1439, on St. John the Evangelist's Day. And was buried in the choir on the right hand of her father. May God have pity in her soul. Amen)



The chapel has two levels. There is  controversy among scholars about the purpose of the upper level. Some say it was a private pew or a rood loft. Most, however, think it held a statue of Lady Isabel. In her will, Lady Isabel gave instructions that a knelling figure be placed "on the right hand of her father", but no such statue remains today.  The chapel is noted for its fine carving and fan vaults. Traces of paint remain throughout. Restored in 1825



View from Ambulatory to South

 Another view of this chapel


 
 


 Details



 
 
 


  
These angels on the side of the chapel hold shield that once held the coats of arms of  Richard Beauchamps and of various Clare ancestors of Lady Isabel.

 

Door of the Chapel. Above it is a row of shields that once were painted with the coats of arms of  Richard Beauchamp and of various Clare ancestors of Lady Isabel.



 Ceiling vaults on the upper level

These fan vaults once had hanging pendants.  Traces of paint are still visible on some of them.


All text, images and computer code is copyrighted by Dr. Alison Stones

Created by Graham Whitlow & Jane Vadnal


Return to

TEWKESBURY
TOMBS
MAIN
TEWKESBURY
PAGE
BRITAIN
INTRODUCTION