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Archaeology, Sites to See

Chapel of St Mary Magdalane

Ruins of the Chapel of St Mary Magdalene, Northchurch (‘Marlin Chapel’). This chapel was probably built in the 13th century, for Sir Lawrence de Broc. Many similar chapels were built at this time due to a rapid increase in the population, and St Mary Magdalene is one of as many as 43 that served this part of the Chilterns. This and other private manorial chapels were often not granted the right to carry out baptism, marriage or burial rites, as the larger parish churches were unwilling to lose the income received by carrying out these ceremonies. The remains of a medieval moted site, and its associated fishpond, lie a few yards east of the chapel. These may well have been built at the same time as the chapel. Further information is available at the site.

From the High Street, Northchurch, turn left at Darr’s Lane. At the end turn left into Shootersway. The site can be reached by a footpath on the right hand side on the road, a short distance after the Bell’s Lane turn and before Durrants Lane (both turns on the left). Grid reference SP 9628 0712.

Map showing Chapel of St Mary Magdelane