St Patrick's Chapel, Heysham

St Patrick's Chapel is an 8th century sandstone ruin on a coastal headland near Heysham with roughly 26 feet (8 metres) of length and 9 feet (3 metres) of width. The south wall and eastern gable end remain partially intact, while sections of the north side have largely disappeared.

The site began as a settlement in the late 6th century with links to early Celtic Christianity in England. The chapel was built later and became an important religious centre for the surrounding coastal communities.

The chapel reflects early medieval burial customs through rock-cut graves with sockets for wooden crosses that once marked the dead. These graves show how local communities honoured their departed and practised their faith on this clifftop.

Access is via Main Street in Heysham, where free parking is available near the entrance. The clifftop location means windy conditions and slippery surfaces are common, especially after rain.

An excavation in 1993 uncovered more than 1200 artifacts beneath the stone coffins, showing human presence at the location going back 12,000 years. These discoveries connect the chapel to a much older story of habitation that long predates its religious use.

Location: Lancaster

Inception: 8 century

GPS coordinates: 54.04750,-2.90269

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:30