OLD CHAPEL, ELSTON
Elston Old Chapel is a Grade I listed building, achieving the status on 25 February 1952.
The chapel is of Norman origin, with the doorway arch dating from the C12th. Most of the building however dates from between the C14th and C16th.
The gallery dates from the late C18th or early C19th. Galleries were a common feature in Georgian churches but were often removed by the Victorians so this is a rare survivor. The gallery underwent extensive repairs when the church was vested into the CCT.
As well as the gallery, the pews were extensively restored by the CCT due to vandalism destroying much of the panelling. The pews date to the late Georgian period and like the gallery, box pews were a feature often removed during Victorian times.
On the south wall of the church you will see the hat pegs that were only used by male parishioners during the services. A hat was a requirement for a lady during a service but it was considered disrespectful for a man to wear a hat during a service. The pegs suffered from vandalsim, but they have also been restored by the CCT.
The double-decker oak pulpit and reading desk has C17th and C18th panelling incorporated into it. The semi-circular designs are known as palmettes.
There are several wall paintings inside the church which are worth a look. Most are faded but they date from the Georgian period.
Elston chapel was regularly used as a parish church until 1870, when the parish was united with nearby East Stoke.
By 1960, the building had become completely derelict and was often the victim of vandalsim. It was vested with The Churches Conservation Trust in 1977, who have since carried out extensive repairs.
It is still used for services twice a year, but with no electric the congregation always light the service with candles they bring with them.
The church is always open and you will need to go inside to get the information you need.
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THE CACHE
Count the rivets securing the upper hinge to the door. This is A
Underneath the gallery is a number drawn onto the wood. This is B
N 53 01.(Ax56)+18
W 000 51.(Bx4)+27
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