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News release PR1269

 

Issued 20 May 2009

 

After years of waiting, on Saturday, 23 May 2009, the doors of the Red Mount Chapel in The Walks, King's Lynn, will be opened and the public allowed access into one of the town's most fascinating architectural treasures.

 

Throughout the summer both the Red Mount Chapel and the South Gate will be open on Wednesdays and Saturdays between 11am and 3pm. The South Gates, a 15th-century scheduled ancient monument and Grade I listed building, has been open to the public for several years, and is staffed by a team of dedicated volunteers who are able to answer questions and provide an insight into the building's history.

 

The 15th-century Red Mount Chapel, also a scheduled ancient monument and Grade I listed building, will be open to the public for the first time this year. The chapel, which was renovated last year, has had a chequered history, starting out as a wayside chapel for pilgrims on their way to the shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. It is also believed to have been a cistern, a gunpowder store, a stable and an observatory.  More recently it has become the winter hibernation site for natterer and brown long-eared bats - both protected species.

 

The three-storied, octagonal chapel is set within the town's largest public park - The Walks - and is a dominant element on the landscape. The upper chapel features a fine fan-vaulted ceiling and is further decorated with quatrefoils. The chapel offers elevated viewpoints of The Walks landscape, both from the mound, which partially surrounds it, and from the structure itself. 

 

Dedicated volunteers will again be on hand to help visitors explore the history of this most impressive and unique building. 

 

Claire Meredith, Attractions and Venue Manager, commented: "We're really excited to be opening the doors to the Chapel. Lots of people came forward as volunteers and they are really keen to share the secrets of this building with local people and visitors alike.  Our dedicated volunteers at the South Gate have proved to be real ambassadors for the town and we hope that the same winning formula will work here at the Red Mount. I would encourage people to come along to see both these buildings, and with the new joint ticket it won't break the bank."

 

Access to both buildings costs just £1.00.  The ticket can be purchased at either venue and used for access to the other venue at any point during the 2009 season.  Both venues will be open on Wednesdays and Saturdays between 11am and 3pm from 23 May up to, and including, 12 September.  Entry for children under 16 is free, but they must be accompanied by an adult.