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Guild Chapel and the Letter of Indulgence

Guild Chapel, Chapel Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6BE

  • Multiple dates available
  • In person
  • Pre-booking not required

For the first time ever, we been able to photograph a major historical document, rarely seen before – a Letter of Indulgence from Rome in the early 14th century. Join us for a one-off talk, or see our temporary pop-up display, available all week.

Deep in the archives of the SBT lies a magnificent document, the seals still attached, belonging to the Guild Chapel of the Holy Cross - a Letter of Indulgence, granted by the Archbishop of Jerusalem, and dated in Rome in 1300 AD. What was a Letter of Indulgence, and why did the Guild have such a splendid manuscript? In keeping with this year’s theme of 'routes, networks and connections' the Guild Chapel will be mapping out the route the Guild members may have taken to Rome to acquire it, and will explain how ‘Indulgences’ were a key part of medieval religious belief, but how they ultimately led to the whitewashing of the Chapel’s medieval wall paintings.

An information banner with details of the Letter of Indulgence will be available to view all week and you can join us for a short talk on Tuesday 10th September at 1pm to discover more about this historical artefact.

Timings & Tours

Friday 06 September:
Information banner can be viewed 10am - 4pm throughout the week
Tuesday 10 September:
1pm - 1.30pm talk

Location & directions

Guild Chapel, Chapel Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6BE

Directions:
The Guild Chapel is situated on the corner of Chapel Lane and Chapel Street opposite Shakespeare's New Place.

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:
Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

There is a small step into the chapel however there is a ramp available for wheelchair users

Additional information

The Schoolroom next door are putting on Heritage Open Day walking tours which will include a visit to the chapel. For more information contact shakespearesschoolroom.org

Max no of people per tour:
50
Est. tour duration:
0 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

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