The Magdalen Chapel, Bath

Description

The Chapel of St Mary Magdalen (known locally as the Magdalen Chapel) is one of the oldest places of worship in Bath and is located on Holloway, which originally provided the main southern artery into and out of the city. Gifted to the Abbey Church of St Peter Bath between 1090 & 1100, and outside the city walls, the chapel served a small leper hospital founded close by in the late 12th Century. Chapel and hospital were rebuilt by Prior Cantlow in c.1495. After a long period of decline in the late 18th century, a Charity Commissioners’ enquiry in 1824 led to a substantial refurbishment, and the construction of the tower and chancel. In 1942, the Chapel suffered severe bomb damage. The new East window, dedicated in 1954, incorporates a few surviving fragments from the 15th-century glass. Nowadays the Chapel supports a congregation, drawn from the locality and from across Bath, coming to the regular Sunday Eucharist, with cantor and excellent organ music.
The Graveyard, in use until 1846, offers a wonderful view over the city. The Magdalen Chapel Garden, is a small quiet leafy enclave with a display of Michael Elphick’s sculpture, The Casting Out, calmly asking us how we react to others’ adversity.

This is a beautiful, peaceful and welcoming space, offering a chance to quietly unwind, meditate, pray, or just to think things through.

Standard opening times:
Sung Eucharist: every Sunday - 10:00am, with conversation & refreshments after.
Quiet Service of Contemplation & Healing: 2nd Tuesday of the month - 6:30pm.
Open - for quiet prayer, meditation or a look around: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday - 4 to 6 pm; Satuday - 11 to 1 pm
Open by mutual arrangement at other times with the Hospitaller (details below)

Location

The Magdalen Chapel, Holloway, Bath, Somerset, BA2 4PX, United Kingdom

Directions

Grid reference: ST 747 643
Google Plus Code: 9JGP+97 Bath
By car: From the large roundabout on the A36 ring road South of Bath centre, take the A367 up Wells Road (direction Radstock, Shepton Mallet). At the top on Bear Flat, where main road turns to the right, turn left into Hayes Place & continue down the hill (Holloway). 2hr parking on the left. The Chapel is on the left at the junction with Magdalen Road. If using the Odd Down Park & Ride, get off at Bear Flat, cross the road, & walk towards the city through Hayes Place & down Holloway.
By public transport (rail/bus): Bath Spa railway station. Buses run from the bus station on Dorchester Street to Bear Flat – any bus for Foxhill, Odd Down, Wells, Radstock, Paulton (4, 13, 171,172,173, 174, 522, & D2) will on request stop at Bear Flat, but not one up the hill heading for Odd Down Park & Ride (41)
On foot:Take the South exit from the railway station, cross the footbridge over the river, & dual carriageway; start up Lyncombe hill & immediately turn right into St Mark’s Road. Walk west, down past St Marks church, through the cut onto the end of Holloway, & then up the hill to the Chapel, which will be on your right.

Facilities

There is a single step into the Chapel and out to the graveyard.
Single toilet down a flight of stairs, disabled toilets in the Bear Pub on the Bear Flat.
Garden - Level access from pavement. Step/ramp within.
View over the city from the Graveyard
Refreshments on Bear Flat – The Good Bear Café, and Bear public house.
Many B&B’s in the area.

Suitable for quiet days for individuals or group by arrangement with the Hospitaller
The Hospitaller lives close to the Chapel, and will endeavour to meet needs of pilgrims and visitors where possible.

Hospitaller/Contact Person

Lindsey Shaw-Miller

Mob: 07773 027155

Email:

Web Link

https://magdalenchapelbath.co.uk

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