Welcome to the Old Chapel, Clare

Originally built as a chapel in around 1190 AD, the Old Chapel is believed to be the oldest inhabited building in the county of Suffolk, and one of the oldest in England. The house has also been known historically as the Chapel of St Mary Magdalene, Wentford Chapel, Chilton Chapel, Chapel House and Chapel Cottage, under which name it received its Grade II* listing from Historic England in 1961.

HISTORY

Read more about the history of the Old Chapel

RENOVATION

See photos of some of the renovation work

GALLERY

Photos of the house and its garden

THE OLD CHAPEL, CLARE

Welcome to our historic home

Old Chapel is located on the outskirts of Clare in Suffolk, in the East of England. It is considered to be one of only a handful of chapels built especially for leper colonies in the Norman era. This one has been dated to around 1190. Though not professional historians ourselves, we are very proud to be the custodians of this incredible building. We have compiled a list of photographs and writings on Old Chapel here on this website as our contribution to furthering knowledge about leper chapels in England and as a dedication to one of the most ancient buildings in private ownership in the UK. We hope that if anyone can shed any further information on this and similar building or related subjects that you will get in touch with us. The photographs were kindly handed down to us by the previous owners, Dennis and Christine Keys. They in turn received them from the Mortons who rescued the Old Chapel from near ruin in the 1950s.

Several passers-by each year enquire as to whether the chapel is open, as it is marked up on various maps. To clarify, it is our private residence and much as we would love to welcome everyone at any time it is not always practical.