by Alan Quick

A FASCINATING history of the St Lawrence Chapel in Crediton is recorded in a new booklet which has just been published by the chairman of the Friends of St Lawrence Chapel, Isolde Summers.

The 30-page booklet “St Lawrence Chapel” includes not only a detailed history but also details about Saint Lawrence himself, the building and the use of the Chapel today.

The chapel is situated opposite Early Birds Nursery.

The relatively recently-restored chapel was once an anchorite’s cell, part of Crediton’s medieval hospital, later three cottages and most recently a school chapel.

It was built in Early English style in around 1200 AD. It was used as a hospital – to provide hospitality to travellers and as a refuge for the sick and incapacitated – from the late 13th century to the early 16th century.

Mrs Summers said she enjoyed the research into the history of the Chapel.

Many interesting colour and black and white images are included in the booklet, including some taken by the “Crediton Courier”.

The booklet, which is published by The Friends of St Lawrence Chapel, and was printed by Hedgerow Print of Crediton, is available at Crediton Community Bookshop.

It retails at £4.99. The ISBN is 978-1-5272-1795-9.

The booklet is now available at Crediton Community Bookshop but there will be a public launch at the bookshop between 11am and 1pm on Saturday, January 6.