Elston Chapel

Formerly a parish church, the chapel dates from the 12th century, with additions and alterations made in the 14th and 16th centuries.[1] The chapel was created as a separate parish in 1584 and later became a chapelry to East Stoke.[3] In the early 19th century its interior was fitted with pine pews and a gallery.[2] However, by 1872 it was disused and was transferred to the parish of All Saints, Elston.[3][4]

There is speculation that the chapel was formerly the chapel of a medieval leper hospital dedicated to Saint Leonard.[3][5][6] The church was declared redundant on 23 September 1976, and was vested in the Churches Conservation Trust on 9 February 1976.[7]

The chapel is constructed in coursed rubble stone with tile roofs, and consists of a nave and a smaller and lower chancel. In the west wall are two small rectangular windows with a larger rectangular window above. In the north wall of the nave is a two-light window with ogee arches and, to the east in a slightly projecting bay is a single-light window with a pointed arch. The north wall of the chancel contains a two-light window under a flat arch. The east end of the chancel has buttresses, and contains a three-light window with ogee arches under a flat head. The date 1577 is inscribed over the window, and at the apex of the gable is the fragment of a cross. The south wall of the chancel and the nave both contain a two-light window under ogee arches.[1] The south doorway dates from the 12th century, and is in Norman style with a round arch and zigzag decoration.[1][2] Inside the church fragments of the 19th-century fittings still present.[1] There are several layers of paintings on the walls, including Georgian biblical texts and, on the north wall, a large royal coat of arms.[2]

• List of churches preserved by the Churches Conservation Trust in the English Midlands
• Grade I listed buildings in Nottinghamshire
• Listed buildings in Elston