St Nicholas Chapel, Lantern Hill, Ilfracombe Harbour, Devon 12 April 2017
A tableau relating to John Davey's tenure as lighthouse keeper (see below).
The chapel dates from 1321, built to provide a place of worship for those living and working around the harbour. From the Middle Ages, it has also served as a lighthouse and is said to be the oldest working lighthouse in Britain. In 1540, St Nicholas ceased to be a chapel under Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries.
From 1853 to 1871, a John Davey lived there as a lighthouse keeper, raising fourteen children. It was subsequently used as a reading room and a laundry. Neglected until 1962, it was restored by the Ilfracombe Rotary Club who turned the porch into a small chancel and maintain it with volunteers. Services are occasionally held there.
St Nicholas Chapel, Lantern Hill, Ilfracombe Harbour, Devon 12 April 2017
A tableau relating to John Davey's tenure as lighthouse keeper (see below).
The chapel dates from 1321, built to provide a place of worship for those living and working around the harbour. From the Middle Ages, it has also served as a lighthouse and is said to be the oldest working lighthouse in Britain. In 1540, St Nicholas ceased to be a chapel under Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries.
From 1853 to 1871, a John Davey lived there as a lighthouse keeper, raising fourteen children. It was subsequently used as a reading room and a laundry. Neglected until 1962, it was restored by the Ilfracombe Rotary Club who turned the porch into a small chancel and maintain it with volunteers. Services are occasionally held there.