Langport History
The Hanging Chapel
Langport's most famous landmark, the Grade 1 listed Hanging Chapel, forms an arch over The Hill, one of the earliest roads in Langport. Its origins are thought to lie in the 13th century, and it was mentioned in the 14th century as the Guild Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It has been much altered, but the present building probably dates from the 15th century. It was used as the Town Hall for a brief period at the end of the 16th century. For most of the 18th century it was Langport Grammar School. It has also been home to a museum, an arms store and a Sunday School. Since 1891 it has been leased by the Portcullis Lodge of the Freemasons, who still use it today.
This photo, looking west, shows how it looked in about 1910.
Early in the 1990s a footpath was made alongside the Chapel. Before that people and cars all had to go through the arch on the road, which must have been quite dangerous. Does anyone know exactly when the footpath was opened? Please email me if you know - janetseaton@fastmail.fm