Spital Chapel of St James, Tamworth

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Date:1914 - 1950 (c.)

Description:Spital Chapel is a Grade II* listed building accessed by gated footpaths from Wigginton and Ashby Roads.

It is believed that it was a Chantry Chapel built by Philip Marmion in the 13th century and could partially be earlier. It may have served as a hospital at the time of the Black Death and used domestically after the reformation. It was extensively rescued from a ruinous state around 1905 when as a cottage with a barn it was threatened with demolition; a committee was formed to save it. It was conditionally purchased with adjoining land for the nominal sum of £100 and conveyed to the Vicars of Tamworth and Wigginton.

A report in 1905 by the Stoke-on-Trent architect Charles Lynam (born Colwich 1829-1921) indicated some of the original structure had been lost and a domestic fireplace and windows had been inserted due its change of usage over time. However, it was considered to be an important example of early-English architecture and worthy of restoring. In 1906 an appeal was made to raise £350 for its restoration. This was to include an entirely new west wall and the remaking of the chancel arch which was carried out by H.W. Mitchell & Son of Tamworth. The Chapel was dedicated for worship by the Bishop of Lichfield in September 1914.

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Source: Tamworth Castle Museum

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