Minsden Chapel
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Minsden Chapel is an isolated ruined chapel in the fields above the hamlet of Chapelfoot, near Preston, Hertfordshire. Today it is a roofless shell, partly surrounded by a small wood, and accessible only by footpath.
It was built in the 14th century, and by the 17th century had fallen into disrepair. Marriages continued here into the 18th century, until the crumbling masonry became too dangerous.[1] One story says that a piece of falling stonework knocked the prayer-book out of a curate's hand during the marriage ceremony of Enoch West and Mary Horn in 1738.[2]
In the 20th century the chapel was closely associated with the historian Reginald L Hine from nearby Hitchin. He frequently visited here, and following his wishes, is buried next to the entrance to the chapel. So fond of the chapel was he, that he even bid "trespassers and sacrilegious persons take warning, for I will proceed against them with the utmost rigour of the law, and, after my death and burial, I will endeavour, in all ghostly ways, to protect and haunt its hallowed walls".[3]
In 1907, W.T. Latchmore took a photograph of a ghostly monk at the Chapel.[4] Rumours of paranormal activity first appeared around this time. The haunting most frequently reported is that of a single monk climbing stairs (which no longer exist) to the north-east area of the chapel; this is said to occur at midnight on Halloween. Other reported experiences include the sighting of a glowing cross on the wall, and the hearing of distant music or the ringing of the stolen bells. Legends also exist of a lost tunnel, and of a murdered nun.[5]
Despite the many reports, very little evidence exists to support the validity of any of these stories.
[edit] References
- ^ Minsden Chapel Haunting - mysteriousbritain.co.uk
- ^ Puttick, B. Ghosts of Hertfordshire (1994, Countryside Books) - chapter 14: "The Haunting of Minsden Chapel" p83 ISBN 1 85306 292 8
- ^ Hine, Reginald L. Confessions Of An Uncommon Attorney (1945, J. M. Dent & Sons Ltd (London))
- ^ Minsden Chapel Ghost - Unexplained Mysteries Discussion Forums
- ^ The Mysterious Sites of Hertfordshire: Minsden Chapel mysteriousbritain.co.uk
