Haxton Free Chapel

Haxton Free Chapel was separate from All Saints Church, existing from 1323-1547 with its own priest in charge. A chapel being within a few hundred yards of a church was unusual however, it is probable the church served the manor family whilst the chapel served the common villager. The advowson of the chapel followed that of Haxton manor. Sir William Hankeford disputed the advowson in the late 14th century, claiming to own 1/3rd of Haxton manor. The dispute was settled with the Dyneley’s, the current lords of the manor and Hankeford would present every 3rd turn. 

The chapel was dissolved by an act of parliament during the reign of King Edward VI in 1547. This was likely a part of the Protestant reformation in England, suggesting the Free Chapel was of a Catholic denomination. The chapel and its endowment were seized upon for the King’s use. No trace of the building remains today however, it was said to be in the Bury, a field south of Fittleton Church.