| St Tugual's Chapel | |
|---|---|
 The entrance to St Tugual's Chapel | |
| Region | None |
| Location | |
| State | States of Guernsey |
 | |
| Coordinates | 49°28′18″N2°26′57″W / 49.4717°N 2.4492°W |
St Tugual's Chapel is a non-denominational and non-consecrated chapel [1] which dates from the 11th century. [2] It is located on Herm, [3] the smallest of the Channel Islands open to the public. [4] The chapel is currently listed on the Register of Ancient Monuments and Protected Buildings for the States of Guernsey. [5]
The chapel, which incorporates an earlier structure, [6] : 128 dates from the 11th century; [5] but it has been suggested that the site has been of religious significance from the 6th century. [1] It is uncertain if the chapel was named after Saint Tugual because he visited Herm; or if it was so called by Tugual's followers. [1]
The current chapel was built by Norman monks who lived on the island. [1]
When the Wood family took over the island's lease in 1949, they re-opened parts of the chapel; and cleared several windows. [1]
The Chapel featured on a 1970 stamp. [7]
In 2010 and 2011, the chapel was closed for restoration work, in which there was re-roofing, [8] repointing, re-rendering, and drainage installation. [5] The States of Guernsey are responsible for the chapel's upkeep. [8] The chapel re-opened with a special re-dedication service in May 2011. [9]
During the works; two skeletons were found; that of an adult and that of a child. [9] The skeletons were originally estimated to be between 400 and 500 years old. [9] Soon, three more part skeletons were expected to be excavated; [10] but eventually, within a 15m sq area; 40 [11] skeletons were found, [12] around 50% of which were children. [11] The skeletons were taken to Guernsey by a team led by Philip de Jersey, then were returned to Herm for burial. The earliest bones dated were from the second half of the 10th century. [11]