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February 25, 2005
The Norman Chapel
The "Lady Chapel" at Tewkesbury Abbey.
The original Lady Chapel was the one part of the main church destroyed at the dissolution of the Abbey, and the present chapel was known until the 20th Century as the "Norman" Chapel. It is apsed and occupies the South Transept behind the Milton Organ. It is into this area that the original "Dortoire" stairs descended, allowing the Monks to come directly from their dormitory to the night offices without having to go outdoors.
The Apse above this Chapel's sanctuary is occupied by a large part of the Milton Organ, including the Tuba, Trombone, Clarina, and Trumpet stops. An amazing sound if you are in the Chapel when the organist uses these stops!
The Chapel is used throughout the week and provides a space where pilgrims may pray, leave a lit candle, or place their requests for our prayers. It is also the home of the Elliot Organ when that is not in use for concerts, and it is used for services in this Chapel, as the organist can both see and hear the service - which he could not do from the Milton Console!
It is a lovely quiet place - when the organs aren't in use!
Posted by The Gray Monk at February 25, 2005 10:18 AM