St Tugual's Chapel
The door leading into St Tugual's Chapel
The entrance to St Tugual's Chapel
RegionNone
Location
StateStates of Guernsey
Geographic coordinates49°28′18″N 2°26′57″W / 49.4717°N 2.4492°W / 49.4717; -2.4492

St Tugual's Chapel is a non-denominational and non-consecrated chapel[1] which dates from the 11th century.[2] It is located on Herm,[3] the smallest of the Channel Islands open to the public.[4] The Chapel is currently listed on the Register of Ancient Monuments and Protected Buildings for the States of Guernsey.[5]

Stained-glass window in St. Tugual's Chapel
Small graveyard attached to St. Tugual's Chapel

History

The chapel, which incorporates an earlier structure,[6]: 128  dates from the 11th century;[5] but it has been suggested that the site has been of religious significance from the 6th century.[1] It is uncertain if the chapel was named after Saint Tugual because he visited Herm; or if it was so called by Tugual's followers.[1]

The current chapel was built by Norman monks who lived on the island.[1]

When the Wood family took over the island's lease in 1949, they re-opened parts of the chapel; and cleared several windows.[1]

The Chapel featured on a 1970 stamp.[7]

Restoration work

In 2010 and 2011, the chapel was closed for restoration work, in which there was re-roofing,[8] repointing, re-rendering, and drainage installation.[5] The States of Guernsey are responsible for the chapel's upkeep.[8] The chapel re-opened with a special re-dedication service in May 2011.[9]

Skeletons

During the works; two skeletons were found; that of an adult and that of a child.[9] The skeletons were originally estimated to be between 400 and 500 years old.[9] Soon, three more part skeletons were expected to be excavated;[10] but eventually, within a 15m sq area; 40[11] skeletons were found,[12] around 50% of which were children.[11] The skeletons were taken to Guernsey by a team led by Philip de Jersey, then were returned to Herm for burial. The earliest bones dated were from the second half of the 10th century.[11]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "1,400 years of religious history in Herm's chapel". BBC. 21 May 2010. Retrieved 26 November 2013.
  2. ↑ "Major renovation for Herm chapel". Channel Online TV. 1 September 2010. Retrieved 27 November 2013.
  3. ↑ "Herm, United Kingdom". Lonely Planet. Retrieved 27 November 2013.
  4. ↑ "Shipping to the Bailiwick of Guernsey (Sark, Alderney and Herm)". Paul Daniels Freight Services Ltd. Retrieved 28 October 2013.
  5. 1 2 3 "Herm, United Kingdom". Lonely Planet. Retrieved 26 November 2013.
  6. ↑ Sebire, Heather. The Archaeology and Early history of the Channel Islands. NPI Media Group. ISBN 978-0752434490.
  7. ↑ "St Tugual's Chapel". Catawiki. Retrieved 27 November 2013.
  8. 1 2 "Church out of service". Guernsey Post. 10 December 2010. Retrieved 26 November 2013.
  9. 1 2 3 "Herm's St Tugual's chapel is rededicated at service". BBC. 22 May 2011. Retrieved 26 November 2013.
  10. ↑ "Old skeletons discovered near Herm church". BBC. 22 February 2011. Retrieved 26 November 2013.
  11. 1 2 3 "Archeological talk and picture presentation precedes reburial of Herm's skeletons". Guernsey Press. 28 September 2013. Retrieved 26 November 2013.
  12. ↑ "Herm's skeletons reburied". Herm. 12 November 2013. Retrieved 26 November 2013.
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