Can you imagine royal figures once seeking solace within these very walls of the Chapel of St John the Evangelist? This chapel boasts a rich history as both a royal sanctuary and a repository for national records. Its story is one of shifting roles and enduring architectural significance.
For over 900 years, St John the Evangelist has stood. It is now recognized as a prime example of Romanesque architecture in the British Isles. Constructed in the late 11th century as part of the White Tower, the chapel was likely intended for the royal family’s private worship during their stays at the Tower of London. Recent investigations confirm that the chapel was integral to the building’s original design. It was not a mere afterthought.
Initially, the frequency of the chapel’s use remains unclear. However, records show that Henry III ordered redecoration in 1240. This included the addition of three stained-glass windows and painted figures of St Edward and St John the Evangelist.
Eighty years later, Edward II repurposed the chapel. He ordered documents from the Royal Exchequer to be stored within St John’s sacred space. This arrangement likely ceased when Jean II, the captured French king, was imprisoned in the White Tower in 1360, requiring the chapel for his use.
Following Jean’s release, St John the Evangelist seemingly returned to its religious function. In 1399, the chapel hosted the first confirmed ceremony of the Knights of the Bath. These knights observed an all-night vigil here on the eve of Henry IV’s coronation. This tradition persisted in St John’s until Elizabeth I’s coronation in 1559, after which it was relocated to the Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula.
By 1570, state records were once again stored in the chapel. They remained there until 1858. Large presses were installed to accommodate the documents. The altar was removed. A spiral staircase was added for easier access to the triforium gallery. Despite these changes and its function as a record office, many observers still recognized the chapel’s architectural value. William Ainsworth even cited the chapel’s inaccessibility to the public as partial motivation for his 1840 book, *The Tower of London; A Historical Romance*.
In 1858, the Public Record Office opened in Chancery Lane. The documents were moved from St John the Evangelist. The military initially proposed transforming the chapel into an army clothing store. However, Prince Albert intervened. He ensured its return to religious use. Restoration work followed under Anthony Salvin. He removed the spiral staircase and installed a new tiled floor. The chapel soon reopened to the public. It was used for religious services by non-conformist members of the Tower’s garrison. After repeated requests, the Office of Works finally installed a permanent altar in the chapel in 1878.
During the winter of 1968-1969, St John the Evangelist underwent further renovations. Salvin’s tiled floor was removed. The Victorian altar was also replaced with a modern example. However, in 1998, the Victorian altar was rediscovered and restored to the chapel, adding another layer to this historical place.
Reflect on the many transformations St John the Evangelist has undergone. From royal chapel to record office and back again, it stands as a testament to enduring faith and architectural beauty.