Dating back to Norman times, the Chapel of St Mary Magdalen located on Holloway was built in the late 12th century and served an adjoining leper hospital or hospice. Both chapel and hospital were rebuilt by Bath Abbey’s Prior John Cantlow in around 1495 and with the decline of leprosy, the hospital’s role developed into the care of the mentally ill.
Restored and extended in the 19th century, Magdalen Chapel passed to the care of the trustees of Bath Municipal Charities in 1894 and then St John’s Hospital. In 2012, the Magdalen Chapel Foundation and St John’s Hospital amalgamated as charities, with St John’s Hospital being renamed St John’s Foundation in 2016.
Drawing an Anglican congregation from the local neighbourhood and wider community of Bath, services at the chapel are held every Sunday as well as on feast days throughout the year. Choral Evensongs celebrate major festivals. And with its splendid three manual organ, and excellent acoustics, the Chapel is in regular use for rehearsals and concerts by The Chandos Singers of Bath and others.
Licensed by the Church of England, and with a capacity of around 60, Magdalen Chapel is a charming venue for marriages and christenings, and is available upon application to the Chaplain.
The Chapel’s ancient graveyard affords a wonderful view of Bath Abbey, while the delightful Magdalen Chapel Garden, created in 2008 as a memorial garden dedicated to a lifelong member of the congregation, offers a sanctuary of peace and quiet on the walk up from the city.
Sunday Services at the Magdalen Chapel, Holloway, Bath BA2 4PX
8:00am Holy Communion
10:00am Eucharist
For full details of services and events, please see the chapel’s website www.magdalenchapelbath.co.uk or contact the chaplain jacky.wise@stjohnsbath.org.uk
