ONE of the gems of Crediton was how someone described St Lawrence Chapel, the little 12th century, Grade II Listed Chapel almost hidden away at Threshers, reached along a path with wonderfully scented roses.  

Its Open Day on Saturday, June 3, held by the Friends of St Lawrence Chapel raised an excellent £193.25.  It gave a chance to sit in the garden on a glorious afternoon for tea and look at the beautifully kept garden.

On the cake stall were Gill Ware (left) and Rita King. SR 7942
On the cake stall were Gill Ware (left) and Rita King. SR 7942 (Crediton Courier)

That is the work of Jill Da Silva.  The garden is well worth a closer look because Jill is slowly introducing more plants that would have been grown by the monks of the time of the Chapel, as well as herbs and other plants mentioned in the Bible. 

Funds raised go towards the upkeep of the Chapel, the interior of which was painted during the winter.  The Friends’ long-term aim is to raise enough money to provide a toilet. 

A fuller explanation of the garden and a very brief the history of the Chapel were available at the Open Day.  There are also several books about this fascinating and much loved building.

At one time it became three cottages.  It was restored in 1920 and was given to the Governors of Crediton Parish Church, for many years used for worship by pupils of Queen Elizabeth’s School.

Monthly Evening Prayer services are held on the second Sunday of the month at 6pm, the next is next Sunday, June 11.  The weekend of August 12 and 13 is its Patronal Weekend, with the Fayre on Saturday afternoon and an Evensong on the Sunday.

St Lawrence Chapel is also “home” to the West Gallery Quire who do so much to help the Friends. 

Members of the Friends served the teas and were happy to talk about the Chapel.