Little Chapel
| The Little Chapel | |
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The Little Chapel
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| Basic information | |
| Geographic coordinates | 49°26′33.23″N 2°35′15.58″W / 49.4425639°N 2.5876611°WCoordinates: 49°26′33.23″N 2°35′15.58″W / 49.4425639°N 2.5876611°W |
| Affiliation | Roman Catholic |
| Municipality | St Andrew |
| Region | Guernsey |
| Status | Active |
| Website | www |
| Groundbreaking | 1923 |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 16 feet (4.9 m) |
| Width | 9 feet (2.7 m) |
The Little Chapel is a small chapel in Saint Andrew, Guernsey, situated in Les Vauxbelets. It was created in July, 1914, by Brother Déodat. He planned to create a miniature version of the grotto and basilica at Lourdes, the Rosary Basilica. It has been said that it "is the smallest functioning chapel in Europe, if not the world", and it is "believed to be the world's smallest consecrated church."
The chapel was originally built by Brother Déodat in March 1914 (measuring 9 feet long by 4.5 feet wide). After taking criticism from other brothers Déodat demolished the chapel. He finished a second chapel in July 1914 (measuring 9 feet by 6 feet). However, when the Bishop of Portsmouth visited in 1923, he could not fit through the door, so Déodat again demolished it. The third and current version of the chapel started soon after the last demolition, and measures 16 feet by 9 feet. Déodat went to France in 1939 and died there, never having seen his chapel finished.
In 1977, a committee was established to restore the chapel and today it falls under the care of Blanchelande College.
In 2010, five stained glass windows were smashed, causing £3,000 worth of damage, and led to condemnation of the vandals. The windows have previously been smashed, notably three times in 2003. The chapel has been described as "probably the biggest tourist attraction in Guernsey", and "intricate".
In late 2013, there was major work on the overgrowth; which was, in places, hiding parts of the chapel.
In November 2015 it was closed to allow some major structural work to be undertaken. The works include underpinning the building, stabilising the foundations and weatherproofing the building are estimated to cost £500,000 and fundraising is being undertaken.
The Little Chapel is decorated with seashells, pebbles, and broken china. It has room for around eight people.
The chapel was brought sudden fame following a Daily Mirror article, which led to islanders donating coloured china, the Lieutenant-Governor of the island offered mother of pearl, and other gifts came from around the globe.
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Wikipedia