Stanbury Chapel, Hereford Cathedral

The Stanbury Chapel is a small chantry chapel in the chancel north aisle at Hereford Cathedral. It was begun around 1480, completed by 1492 and was built for John Stanbury (d.1474) who was the bishop of Hereford from 1453 until 1474. The chapel's Perpendicular architecture reflects the period of its construction, particularly the ornate fan vaulting. The colourful stained glass is by Archibald J. Davies, a member of the Bromsgrove Guild, who worked in the Arts and Crafts style.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Nikon Z 5

Chantry chapels, Winchester Cathedral

Chantry chapels were built mainly in churches and cathedrals towards the east end of the building. They were usually closed, with entry by a door, and usually had an altar and a bequest of money attached to them. This was used to pay a priest to say prayers and services for the soul of  the builder of the chapel after his death. In many, perhaps most, this was expected to continue in perpetuity.

In England they flourished from the late 1100s to the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 1530s. Many chantries, after closure, became Lady Chapels. Most English Cathedrals have chantry chapels, sometimes large, often relatively modest. On our first visit to Winchester Cathedral in Hampshire we were surprised to see the scale and opulence of the chantries.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Nikon D5300