Oxhey Chapel stands as a testament to time. It’s a delightful surprise nestled amidst 1940s housing. Today we will explore its history.
Oxhey Chapel began its story in 1612. Sir James Altham built it as a private chapel. He intended it for his family and staff at nearby Oxhey Place. It is believed to stand on the site of a prior monastic church.
The chapel’s history is quite eventful. In 1649, during the Civil War, Cromwell’s forces used it. They needed a store and barracks after the Battle of Uxbridge. The soldiers damaged the chapel. They took lead from the roof to make musket balls. They even created a new door in the east wall.
Sir John Bucknall acquired Oxhey Place in 1688. He blocked the east door. He then added a reredos to the east end of Oxhey Chapel. The wood came from the rebuilt house. A bellcote and hipped, tiled roof were added in 1704. The interior saw restoration in 1712. The reredos was whitewashed.
Worship continued here until 1799. Afterward, Oxhey Chapel became a storage space. A restoration occurred in 1852. Thomas Estcourt led it to bring worship back. This was for the people in the nearby hamlet. The whitewash was removed from the reredos. Old pews and the pulpit were replaced.
Further changes happened in 1897. Vestries were added. The windows were restored. Pews were rearranged in a collegiate manner. Thomas Blackwell, co-founder of Crosse & Blackwell, funded these updates. J. E. K. Cutts was the architect.
The 20th century brought deterioration. Part of the roof collapsed in the winter of 1962–63. Repairs followed. The roof and bellcote were completely replaced. Oxhey Chapel returned to use. However, it was later declared redundant. In 1977, it was placed in the care of the Redundant Church Fund. This fund is now the Churches Conservation Trust. The chapel remains consecrated. It is occasionally used for weddings.
Look closely at the exterior. Oxhey Chapel features knapped flint and red brick. They are arranged in a chequerwork pattern. Stone dressings add detail. The roof is tiled. The plan is rectangular with a narthex on the west. The entrance has a Tudor arched surround. The date 1897 is visible in the spandrels. A 20th-century octagonal wooden bellcote sits on the roof. It has an ogee-headed cupola.
Inside Oxhey Chapel, notice the double row of stalls. They face each other in collegiate fashion. The west door boasts a doorcase. It includes carved Corinthian pilasters and an entablature. The reredos has twisted Solomonic columns. Panels display the Ten Commandments, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Creed. A flaming urn tops the reredos. The sanctuary is paved with black and white marble.
Also of interest is the wooden font dating from the 17th century. An eight-branch candelabrum hangs from the roof. A wall tomb commemorates Sir James Altham. It also honors his wife Helen. Two praying figures face each other within an alabaster and marble frame.
Oxhey Chapel is more than just a building. It’s a journey through centuries. From its origins as a private chapel to its present-day role. It is a reminder of faith, conflict, and community. Its story continues to resonate for all who visit.