Old Palace Chapel Heritage Activity Consultation

Have your say on future activity and events in Croydon’s oldest Chapel.

A Croydon charity, The Whitgift Foundation, is asking for views on what heritage events and activities the local community would like to see in one of the town’s oldest chapels at Old Palace of John Whitgift School.

The Foundation has received first round funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) and is now putting forward a bid to acquire the full funding in order to restore the Chapel back to its former glory.  As part of the bid and if successful, the Chapel will host a series of free heritage events, to promote the restoration and engage with the local community. 

As a former summer palace of the Archbishops of Canterbury and dating back to the 12th century, the surviving building holds a series of important rooms, namely the medieval Great Hall, the barrel-vaulted Guard Chamber, the Chapel and Long Gallery.  Old Palace's Chapel is an integral part of the Grade 1 Listed building, and the former private chapel of the Archbishops. The chapel is believed to have been rebuilt in the mid-15th century by Archbishop Bourchier and extended westwards by Archbishop Morton at the end of the century.  

Within this three-year project, repair and improvement works to the Chapel will be undertaken, providing a dedicated access point and lift separate from the main school entrance, allowing increased public use of the historic Chapel, its 'foyer' and courtyard.

We are asking for feedback via our online survey on the kinds of events people would like to see, which will form our heritage programme. Some of the current ideas are a 3D Film, downloadable trails, activity/ school packs, heritage days, Guided tours, musical and literature events. 

On completion of the Survey you will be placed in a draw to win a £100 shopping token.