Elston Chapel, church in Newark and Sherwood, UK
Elston Chapel is a small medieval building in a field near Elston with Norman origins from the 12th century. The simple structure contains only a nave and small chancel, with no tower or porch, and is defined by its characteristic Norman doorway with zig-zag carving on the southwest side.
The chapel originated in the 12th century and may have been originally connected to the medieval Hospital of St. Leonard, but was formalized as a chapel of ease under St. Oswald in East Stoke in 1577. By the mid-1600s, a parish formed around the chapel with regular services documented from 1584, though it eventually closed in 1976.
The chapel served as a gathering place for the local community across centuries, marking important moments in village life. Today, its simple structure and the wall paintings inside reflect the religious practice and artistic expression of past generations.
The building sits in a field about 5 miles southwest of Newark and is accessible off the A46, making it a practical destination for visitors interested in old churches. As an open structure, visitors should bring warm clothing and suitable footwear for uneven ground.
Restoration work uncovered hidden wall paintings with biblical scenes inside, revealing multiple layers painted over each other, including a royal coat of arms and a large lion. These layered paintings show how artistic style and decoration evolved over the centuries.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
