Codrington College Chapel, St. John : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
- By
- Aparna Patel
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- 23 Jun, 2023
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Codrington College Chapel, located in St. John, Barbados is one of the most impressive churches in the Caribbean. A glimpse into the past, the chapel holds a special place in the hearts of many locals and visitors alike. Built in the 1700s, this once small structure has been remodeled several times, becoming the exquisite site it is today. If you’re travelling to St. John, you won’t want to miss a visit to this sublime church. In this blog post, we’ll be sharing some interesting facts, information, and travel tips about the Codrington College Chapel. Discover why everyone is raving about this beautiful architectural gem.
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Interesting Facts About Codrington College Chapel, St. John
1. Codrington College Chapel, St. John was built in 1745 by the English plantation owner Christopher Codrington III, and was based off designs from a 16th-century chapel in Wiltshire, England.
2. The church is also the oldest building on the island of Barbados and is unique in that it remains one of the only “stand-alone” churches in the Caribbean.
3. The building is a National Monuments and its steeple is a Barbados National Symbol.
4. The chapel has a rich musical history, with a well-known choir, which has performed throughout the Caribbean and the world.
5. The ornate ceiling is a detailed network of plaster carvings, symbolising stars in the sky, and they are believed to help parishioners to direct their prayers to heaven.
6. In keeping with the culture and history of Barbados, the chapel is not only a place of worship but is also an active cultural centre, hosting various cultural performances and activities throughout the year.
7. The chapel also has a full library with books on ecclesiastical history, art and architecture which are open to visitors.
8. Peter Tosh, a late elder of the Rastafarian community, was married in this chapel in April 1975.
History & Information About Codrington College Chapel, St. John
Barbados
Codrington College, located in the parish of St. John, Barbados, is a former Anglican seminary which was founded in 1745 by Christopher Codrington, an wealthy English colonial planter. The original purpose behind the seminary was to provide a place of religious training for the clergy in Barbados, and to serve as a center for theological education for the local population.
The main feature of the college is its superb architectural style church, the Codrington College Chapel. The church was designed and built in 1749 by Edward and Richard Pruen of Shepton Mallet and is noted for its classic Georgian architecture and beautifully crafted timber and stone details. The chapel is 75 feet long, 43 feet wide, and 22 feet high, and its walls reach a height of 60 feet, which serves as the backdrop for the famous Codrington College Piped Organ, constructed in 1785.
The interior of the chapel is made of a stunning combination of mahogany and English oak. It features hand-painted frescos on the walls, intricate craftsmanship on carvings and archways, locally mined blue limestone tile floors, and a unique “fan” window which is original to the building. The church is also home to several lasting monuments, including several memorial plaques dedicated to those who lost their lives defending Barabados during World War II.
Codrington College Chapel continues to offers religious services each Sunday, and could be rented out for special occasions. It is also open to both visitors and students who are interested in its history and architecture.
Travel Guide For Visiting Codrington College Chapel, St. John
Codrington College Chapel is located in the small coastal town of St. John, Barbados. The chapel is a beautiful white stone structure, built in 1710 by Colonel Christopher Codrington, who used it as an early form of a school, or college, for the island’s free-slaves and their descendants. The building is surrounded by lush gardens and its stately columns frame the view of the Caribbean Sea. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1985 and is open year-round for visitors to enjoy the stunning architecture and tranquil atmosphere.
When visiting the chapel, visitors should plan to arrive in the early morning or late afternoon, when the grounds are quietest and the lighting is best for photography. The chapel is best used for noon services or receptions, and should not be disturbed during these events. Please note that the chapel is also a working church, and visitors should respect the quietude of the building.
For those interested in the history of the chapel or the early form of education it provided, pamphlets are available inside the chapel that contain more information on the building, as well as its current history. Of particular interest are the stained-glass windows, which depict events in the history of Barbados. There is also a beautiful mural in the chapel depicting Codrington College’s founding.
Visitors should also note that the chapel closes at 5 pm daily, and there is no late entry permitted. Dogs, bicycles and vehicles are not allowed in the grounds either.
If you’re looking for a peaceful and quaint site to explore, Codrington College Chapel is a great choice. It’s located in one of Barbados’ most beautiful locations, and its serenity and spectacular views make it the perfect destination for visitors looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Codrington College Chapel, St. John
Q: When was the Codrington College Chapel built?
A: The Codrington College Chapel was built in 1747-49.
Q: Who designed the Codrington College Chapel?
A: The Codrington College Chapel was designed by the architect James Gibbs.
Q: What is the significance of the Codrington College Chapel?
A: The Codrington College Chapel is a Grade I listed building, and is one of the most important Baroque churches in England. It is designated as an Anglican place of worship and is an example of fine Georgian architecture and artisan craftsmanship.
Q: Is there a museum on the grounds of Codrington College Chapel?
A: Yes, the Codrington College Chapel Museum is located in the lower level of the chapel, and features a collection of artifacts, books, maps, and paintings that are related to the history of the chapel and St. John island.