Black Chapel (EHER 1076)

Late 15th century timber-framed chapel and attached priest's house. Altered in the 17th-19th centuries.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import. Walls are timber-framed and roughcast. Probably late 15th century, with chancel, nave and a house, probably for a chaplain, at the west end with a wing extending towards the north. The nave is divided into four unequal bays by roof trusses carried on wall posts. Former tie-beams are cut short ad serve as hammer-beams. The nave roof retains original central purlin (has mortices for former king-post etc). The screen between the nave and chancel is late 15th-early 16th centuries. In the nave there are 12 benches, late 15th-early 16th century. The house has exposed ceiling-beams, original windows with mullions and an original king- post truss. The north aisle and vestry and the north west wing of the house are `modern'. A chest in the nave is possibly 17th century, the communion table is mid or late 17th century, communion rails probably early 18th century, panelling in nave is early 17th century, arms of Queen Anne on wall above chancel screen, painted on canvas, date 1714. Some of the 18th or early 19th century box-pews include fragments of similar work re-used. <1> Probably connected to Leighs Priory, a grange for Priory, dated to around 1300. Mentioned 1347, rare survival of entirely timber-framed church, also of medieval chapel with priest's house attached. Originally unicellular with dormitory over nave and 2-roomed house at the west end-2 shuttered windows and most of roof original (Tudor). In chapel, 14th century highly cambered tie-beam and 15th century screen and oak benches. At dissolution, passed to Richard Rich. Continued as church through commonwealth and restoration. In 1838 the north extension and vestry were built and the schoolroom added to the north- west corner. Damaged by bomb blast in the 1940s, repaired in the 1950s, restored 1975. In 1983 building works were undertaken. <2> `Blackchapel' (name confirmed) is generally as described and in good repair. See photograph. OS photo card only in record. <3> <4> Said to be monastic chapel, probably Augustinian. Priest's house now occupied by caretaker. Interior little changed since 18th century. Church has a miniature font. One of few remaining `peculiar' chapels, (outside authority of diocesan bishops). <5> Site Assessment: "The building is interesting on account of its construction and as one of the few old chapels remaining in Essex". <1> Rare survival of medieval chapel with priest's house attached, and of entirely timber-framed church building. Owing to peculiar status (trustees directly responsible to Charity Commissioners) listing-planning legislation doesn't apply. <2> One of few remaining `peculiar' chapels, (outside authority of diocesan bishops) said to be monastic, probably Augustinian. <5> Additional references <6> <7> Black Chapel (NAT) <8>