The Chantry Chapel of St Mary the Virgin
Wakefield
Services and Events held in the Chantry Chapel
The chapel was originally in the ecclesiastical district of St Mary, congregation mainly came from the Primrose Hill and lower Kirkgate areas of Wakefield which were mainly working class. In the 1960's the chantry came under the district of St Andrew's when St Mary's church was demolished in that decade.
The chantry is now in the care of the Dean and Chapter of Wakefield Cathedral
Regular services are held in the Chantry Chapel on Wakefield Bridge on the first and third Sundays of each month at 3pm.
Other services can be arranged by contacting Wakefield Cathedral.
Services are not the only thing to take place in the building since the Friends of the Chantry Chapel was established.
Open Days are always a popular event - opening the doors to those who use the 'new' bridge and never stop to walk on the original crossing of the Calder.
Open Days for 2004 ~ 12th April; 31st May; 29th & 30th August and the 11th & 12th of September. The Chantry will be open on each day from 11am - 3pm.
Prayer Walks will take place on Sunday the 16th and 23rd May. Meeting at the Cathedral for a short prayer the group will then make their way to the Chantry for a short talk about the history of the building and further time for prayer and reflection. There is no charge but donations would be most welcome. Please email for further details
The Friends' Annual Meeting takes place on Wednesday June 9th at 7.30pm in the Chantry. After the meeting there will be coffee and a digital presentation of this website and of other historical images.
June 12th at 7.30pm in the Chantry, An Evening of Music and Wine, with entertainment by Cana. Tickets £4.00. Email for details
Bridge for the Bridge Chapel, Nostell Priory 17th September. Lord St Oswald has kindly offered to host a second bridge tournament. Once again held in the magnificent surroundings of Nostel Priory's top hall. Limited places are available at £15 including wine and savouries. Black Tie. Email for details
The Friends' Annual Service takes place on Sunday 19th September at 3pm in the Chantry.
The Friends of the Chantry Chapel look forward to welcoming you into one of Wakefield's 'little treasures'.
Past events at the Chantry have included :-
In 1999 Wakefield Flower Club provided a flower festival for the Chapel. Theatrical events, for example, "This son of York" reflecting on the life of Ricyard II ; "Uneasy lied the head" based on the life of Charles I, have also taken place in the Chantry, together with a programme of music and reading at Christmas.
Further reading :
The Pious Undertaking by Kate Taylor ISBN 09018694572003
Walkers History of Wakefield - now out of print
Wakefield in Old Picture Postcards by John Goodchild ISBN 9028848231 1990
The Chapel on the Bridge - a short history of Rotherham Bridge and the Chapel of Our Lady by Martin Gleaden (www.fitzmartyn.co.uk)
St Mary's Chapel on the Bridge baptisms 1855-1870 by Wakefield & District Family History Group ISBN 1902022882