Little Chapel
| The Little Chapel | |
|---|---|
 The Little Chapel | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Roman Catholic |
| Region | Guernsey |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Municipality | St Andrew |
| Geographic coordinates | 49°26′33.23″N 2°35′15.58″W / 49.4425639°N 2.5876611°W |
| Architecture | |
| Groundbreaking | 1923 |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 16 feet (4.9 m) |
| Width | 9 feet (2.7 m) |
| Website | |
| www | |
The Little Chapel is a small chapel in Saint Andrew, Guernsey, situated in Les Vauxbelets.[1][2] It was created in July, 1914, by Brother Déodat.[3] He planned to create a miniature version of the grotto and basilica at Lourdes, the Rosary Basilica.[4] It has been said that it "is the smallest functioning chapel in Europe, if not the world", and[5][6] it is "believed to be the world’s smallest consecrated church."[7][8]
History
The chapel was originally built by Brother Déodat in March 1914 (measuring 9 feet long by 4.5 feet wide). After taking criticism from other brothers Déodat demolished the chapel. He finished a second chapel in July 1914 (measuring 9 feet by 6 feet).[9] However, when the Bishop of Portsmouth visited in 1923, he could not fit through the door, so Déodat again demolished it. The third and current version of the chapel started soon after the last demolition, and measures 16 feet by 9 feet.[3][10] Déodat went to France in 1939 and died there, never having seen his chapel finished.[11]
The chapel was brought sudden fame following a Daily Mirror article, which led to islanders donating coloured china, the Lieutenant-Governor of the island offered mother of pearl, and other gifts came from around the globe.[12]
In 2010, five stained glass windows were smashed, causing £3,000 worth of damage,[13] and led to condemnation of the vandals.[14] The windows have previously been smashed, notably three times in 2003.[15]
Decoration
The Little Chapel is decorated with seashells, pebbles, and broken china.[4][16] It has room for around eight people.[11]
References
- ^ "Guernsey Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing". World Guides. Retrieved 30 June 2013.
- ^ Dillon, Paddy (1999). Channel Island Walks. Cicerone Press. p. 209. ISBN 9781852842888.
- ^ a b "Little Chapel". Martyn Guille Silversmiths & Fine Jewellers. Retrieved 30 June 2013.
- ^ a b "The Little Chapel". The Little Chapel. Retrieved 30 June 2013.
- ^ Lenska, Rula (15 November 2011). "An actress calls: Rula Lenska hops over to Guernsey but finds it a world away". Mail Online. Retrieved 30 June 2013.
- ^ Bond, Jennie (2 July 2008). "A royal family affair on Guernsey". Mail Online. Retrieved 30 June 2013.
- ^ Kelly, Fergus (29 September 2012). "Warm to a taste of the Gallic in Guernsey". Express. Retrieved 30 June 2013.
- ^ "Guernsey Destination Guide". Premier Holidays. Retrieved 30 June 2013.
- ^ "Third Time Lucky for Guernsey's Decorative 'Little Chapel'". Urban Ghosts. Retrieved 30 June 2013.
- ^ "Little Chapel, Guernsey, Channel Islands". Retrieved 30 June 2013.
- ^ a b "THE SHELL CHAPEL". Retrieved 30 June 2013.
- ^ "History". The Little Chapel. Retrieved 30 June 2013.
- ^ "Vandalism 'will not close' Little Chapel in St Andrew". BBC News. 19 March 2010. Retrieved 30 June 2013.
- ^ "Little Chapel windows smashed". This is Guernsey. 6 March 2010. Retrieved 30 June 2013.
- ^ "Vandals target Little Chapel". This is Guernsey. 1 April 2003. Retrieved 30 June 2013.
- ^ "Guernsey is a little bit of Britain abroad". The Mirror. Retrieved 30 June 2013.