More information : (TR 09013520) Chapel (NR) (rems. of) (1)
The remains of the chapel of Bellirica are situated on the slope
behind the Manor Farm at Court-at-Street and consist of a roofless
ruin 23ft by 41ft, which appears to be early C16th. Other structures, probably the Manor House, adjoined the chapel and the foundations can be seen a few inches below the surface. (2)
It is certain that "in mediaeval days there existed a fortified manor
house, [and] a church or chapel" at Court-at-Street, but by the
beginning of the C16th the chapel was in decay and was the abode
of a hermit. From 1525, the Chapel of Our Lady enjoyed a revival of
fortune connected with Elizabeth Barton, the Holy Maid of Kent, and
became a place of pilgrimage. [It would appear from this that Erwood's tentative early C16th dating (2) is a rebuilding or
renovation connected with Elizabeth Barton]. (3)
Bellirica Chapel is a roofless ruin; the north wall has gone and the SE corner has been completely rebuilt. The remaining walling stands to an average height of 2.1m and the west doorway and a stoup are still identifiable.
With the exception of a short stretch of nondescript walling extending south from the SE corner for a distance of 5.0m, of evidence of other buildings was seen.
GP AO/62/293/3 - west door from west
4 - general view from north west. (4)
No change. (5)
Remains of a chapel at Court at Street. There are two builds.
Late Perpendicular west doorway. Ragstone. (6)
Leland (1535 - 1543) calls the chapel Our Lady of Court-up-Street for the houses in Bellirica that now remain. (7,8)
|