St Marys Bridge Chapel, Bridge chapel in Derby, England
St Marys Bridge Chapel sits on the first arch of a medieval bridge crossing the River Derwent. The small building has a timber-framed gable above a 15th-century stone window with modern leaded glass panes.
The building was founded in the late 13th or early 14th century as a place of worship on this bridge. It later served other purposes before returning to religious use.
The interior features a small opening in the north wall where people once watched services from outside during the Middle Ages. This opening reveals how medieval worshippers adapted to the limited space of this tiny chapel.
The chapel is easily reachable by public transport and sits in the city center near the river. It is generally open to visitors, though it is worth checking specific visiting times in advance.
This is one of just six remaining bridge chapels still standing in England and has a surprisingly varied past. It once served as both a prison and a carpenter's workshop before returning to religious use.
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