Join us as we uncover one of London’s undiscovered treasures. Nestled behind the Strand is the lovely Savoy Chapel, which has a history that goes back to the 14th century and is now home to the Royal Victorian Order. Appreciate its stunning ceiling and stained glass windows, and find out about its ancient and more recent history.
Standing between the Embankment and the Strand is one of London’s many hidden gems. Few people have heard of it, and fewer still visit it. But it is open to the public and well worth a visit.
The Savoy Chapel’s Long History
In a city full of amazing churches by notable architects from Sir Christopher Wren to William Butterfield, the Savoy Chapel, or to give it its full name, the King’s Chapel of the Savoy, punches above its weight.
First of all in its history, and secondly in its role. When you hear the name Savoy, you mostly think of the hotel, the art-deco masterpiece known for luxury living and celebrity clientele. But it in turn took its name from the Savoy Palace that used to stand on this site, the most magnificent of the many palaces that once lined the Strand, with gardens sweeping down to the River Thames.
Royal Connections
The Savoy Palace was owned by John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, the third surviving son of King Edward III. He was rich, powerful and unpopular. In 1381 the Peasantʼs Revolt took place, and the Savoy Palace became the target of the revolting peasants, being burnt to the ground. In the early 1500s, King Henry VII founded a hospital for the poor on the site.
As was usual it included a chapel. The hospital survived until 1820 when all the buildings, apart from the chapel, were demolished to make way for the approach road to Waterloo Bridge. And here the chapel has stood since, on its own, tucked behind the buildings of the Strand, though much of it was rebuilt following a fire in 1865.
Inside the chapel you can find a richly decorated ceiling, including the coat of arms of the Duchy of Lancaster.
A Unique Status
The duchy was founded in the 13th century and still holds lands and property on behalf of the Duke of Lancaster, better known as King Charles III. It is one of his subsidiary titles.
When the late Queen Elizabeth II was on the throne she too was the Duke of Lancaster – one of those oddities of British history. The chapel is part of the duchy’s holdings. It is also a Royal Peculiar, i.e. it does not come under the jurisdiction of the Bishop of London, but reports directly to the sovereign, as does Westminster Abbey for example.
Since 1937 the chapel has also been the home of the Royal Victorian Order. The order was founded by Queen Victoria in 1896. It is part of the state honours system, but is given at the discretion of the Sovereign. The current Grand Master is HRH the Princess Royal, aka Princess Anne.
Magnificent Structure
Around the walls of the chapel can be found copper plates displaying the names and coats of arms of Knights Grand Cross and Dames Grand Cross of the Victorian Order.
Open to the Public
Why not take a trip to visit the chapel yourself after a guided walk around Fleet Street, Covent Garden or Whitehall? It is open from 9am to 4pm Monday to Thursday.
