The Chapel of Our Lady on the Bridge

A general view of the west elevation

Having spent a very full day exploring the historic architecture of Buxton, I once again returned to my investigation of the mediaeval churches of Rotherham and took advantage of one the monthly open days at the Chapel of Our Lady on the Bridge – one of only five remaining in England.

A general view of the east elevation

Built in 1483 using local Rotherham Red sandstone as part of a new bridge over the River Don and, although simple in design compared to the one found in nearby Wakefield, much more of its original fabric remains.

A general view of the interior

The chapel was originally used by travellers, who used it to pray for a safe journey, or to give thanks for a safe arrival in Rotherham but, following the Act for the Dissolution of Colleges and Chantries in 1547, it was closed as a chapel and by 1595 had been converted into an almshouse. In subsequent years, it was further used as a jail, a private house and a tobacconist's shop before being reconsecrated in 1924.

A general view of the interior

Forming an integral part of the structure of the bridge, which has been altered over the years to accommodate the widening of the river here, it has survived various periods of dilapidation and its present form dates back to 1927, when the modern road bridge was built and part of the river channel has since silted up – enabling details of the vaulting of its arches and an altered cutwater to be seen close up.

Views of arches and vaulting to the mediaeval Rotherham bridge

Although the town of Rotherham would probably not be on the list of places for tourists to visit in South Yorkshire, the Chapel of Our Lady on the Bridge - together with other churches in Treeton, Harthill, Laughton-en-le-Morthen and others previously described - is well worth visiting by anyone who has interests in the ecclesiastical heritage of England.

Views of the crypt