Church of St. Andrew, Chitterne
The chapel of St. Andrew was in existence by 1142. In this year it was given to Bradenstoke Priory by Walter of Salisbury, who was the great-grandfather of Ela of Salisbury, foundress of Lacock Abbey. Little is known of the history of this chapel. Its bell turret and bell were destroyed by lightning in 1447. It is possible that the chapel did not survive much longer than this as there is no mention of it in the Valor Ecclesiasticus of 1535.
The name, however, survives to this day. The site of the chapel is believed to be near the house called The Gate House. This house is one of the oldest buildings in the village; probably only St Mary’s chancel is older. It has an arched gateway & wall with an outbuilding attached. It is this building that is known locally as St Andrew’s Chapel. Old photographs often refer to it as ‘The Old Nun’s Chapel’ or ‘Old Nunnery Gates’. There is no evidence to suggest that the outbuilding was ever a chapel; it is more likely to have been a service building to the main house. St Andrew’s Chapel is thought to have stood behind the outbuilding; several stone coffins were unearthed on this site.
The name, however, survives to this day. The site of the chapel is believed to be near the house called The Gate House. This house is one of the oldest buildings in the village; probably only St Mary’s chancel is older. It has an arched gateway & wall with an outbuilding attached. It is this building that is known locally as St Andrew’s Chapel. Old photographs often refer to it as ‘The Old Nun’s Chapel’ or ‘Old Nunnery Gates’. There is no evidence to suggest that the outbuilding was ever a chapel; it is more likely to have been a service building to the main house. St Andrew’s Chapel is thought to have stood behind the outbuilding; several stone coffins were unearthed on this site.