IMAGES OF MEDIEVAL ART AND ARCHITECTURE

ENGLAND: Tewkesbury Abbey

The Trinity Chapel

(also called the Despenser Chantry Chapel)

On the south side of the choir in the bay opposite to the Founders Chapel is the Trinity Chapel, built by Elizabeth, Lady de Burghersh (died 1409), the widow of Edward, Lord Despenser (died 1375). The Chapel derives its name from its dedication to the Trinity as well as to St. Mary. The Trinity Chapel may have been built by the same builders as the Founders Chapel , but some variety of treatment is very noticeable - for example ,the cresting is different in scale on the two sides.


 

On the top of the chapel is the figure of Lord Despenser under a canopy, kneeling in prayer, with his face turned towards the high altar.

A close up view of the Lord Despenser,
the 'kneeling knight"

Lord Despenser is
represented wearing the martial equipment that was usual towards the end of the 14th century.

A view of the fan vaulting from 
the outside of the chapel

  

Another view of the  fan vaulting

All text, images and computer code is copyrighted by Dr. Alison Stones
Created by Graham Whitlow & Jane Vadnal

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