Church of St Peter-on-the-Wall, Bradwell-on-Sea

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St. Peter-on-the-Wall Chapel.
St. Peter-on-the-Wall Chapel.

The Chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall, Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex is the oldest Christian church in England still in regular use.[1]

The Chapel was built in 654 AD by St Cedd astride the foundations of the abandoned Roman fort of Othona and incorporating the Roman bricks and stones.[2] From the 14th century it was used as a barn and consequently it likely retains its original Saxon form. In 1920 it was restored as a chapel. It is a Grade I listed building.

The Othona Community, located five minutes walk away, generally uses the Chapel twice a day for its short, informal acts of worship. Founded in 1946 by Norman Motley, this Christian-based community is open to people of all faiths and none.

Contents

[edit] Myths and Legends

There is a local legend that states if you walk around the church in a counter-clockwise direction three times then it will summon the devil.

[edit] Gallery

The 7th century Saxon Chapel

Interior

From distance.

Another view of Chapel.

[edit] References

  1. ^ The Independent accessed 17-02-08
  2. ^ The Independent accessed 17-02-08

[edit] External links

Coordinates: 51°44′7″N 0°56′24″E / 51.73528, 0.94

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