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 fan vaults once had hanging pendants. Traces of paint are still visible on some of them.
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All text, images and computer code is copyrighted by Dr. Alison Stones
Created by Graham Whitlow & Jane Vadnal
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