Early 14th century (parts); later alterations 17th century onward
Petworth House Chapel is the historic chapel incorporated into Petworth House in Petworth, West Sussex, England. The chapel represents one of the oldest surviving parts of the house complex and has medieval origins that were later altered and integrated into the larger country house fabric. The house and its associated structures are in the care of the National Trust.
The chapel at Petworth is thought to date from the early 14th century and formed part of an earlier manor house on the site; the first Baron Percy was granted a licence to crenellate in 1309. [1] Elements of the medieval chapel and undercroft were retained when later rebuilding works were carried out as the house evolved through the Tudor and Stuart periods. The chapel also retains some rare examples of 16 Century stained glass, bearing the arms of the Percy family.
17th Century
During the late 17th century the main house was rebuilt and expanded by Charles Seymour, 6th Duke of Somerset, known as "The Proud Duke", and the older chapel fabric was incorporated into the new building. [2] Retrieved 12 October 2025</ref> New additions included the carved curtain and the carved cherubs' heads. [2]The chapel includes wood carving by John Seldon, an assistant to Grinling Gibbons. [1]
Subsequent alterations to the house and chapel continued into the 18th and 19th centuries as the estate passed through the Seymour, Percy and Wyndham families.
20th Century
Petworth House, including the chapel, became a Grade I listed building on 22 February 1955. [1] Today Petworth House and the Chapel are managed by the National Trust.[2]
Architecture and fittings
16th century stained glass in the Percy Window at Petworth House Chapel, depicting arms of Henry Percy, 3rd Earl of Northumberland (1421–1461) impaling the arms of the Poynings, his wife's family
The chapel is characterised by its medieval masonry and later interior fittings that reflect the layering of periods found across Petworth House. Sources note that the chapel area is among the oldest surviving sections of the property and that later 17th-century and post-medieval work was integrated around the original structure. Internally, historic panelling and decorative features survive as part of the house's historic fabric; the space has in the past been used for family worship and private services associated with the estate.
Use and access
As part of Petworth House and Park, the chapel is not generally a separately managed public parish church but forms part of the historic house complex overseen by the National Trust. The house and many of its rooms—including historic chapels and private devotional spaces—are open to visitors during normal National Trust opening hours, though access to some private or family-occupied areas may be restricted.[2]
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