Friends of the Guild Chapel
Stratford upon Avon
About us
The Friends of the Guild Chapel was formed in 1954 to drive forward a complete overhaul and continuing maintenance of the exterior fabric. Over the next thirty years the Friends undertook responsibility for the enhancement of the interior of the building and a phased programme of work to completely restore the decaying fabric of the building, financed initially by money raised by the Friends, and latterly the Town Council. The interior was completely overhauled and refurnished in the style of a college chapel at Oxford and Cambridge. New panelling and seating, together with altar and altar furnishings were added and the windows in the chancel restored with stained glass illustrating the history of the Guild and early Borough. Considerable money was spent on repairs to the roof, infested with dry rot and death watch beetle, and to the upper stonework of the tower. In 1964 the Friends restored the porch with its elaborate carved embellishments and the final major work, completed in 1983 was to renew the decaying stonework of the tower, nave and chancel. The friends refurnished the vestry in 1994 and installed a sound system.
We continue to undertake responsibility for the enhancement of the interior and promoting it’s use as an ecumenical venue and paying for the floral displays which enhance it’s simple grandeur. The current major project is the replacement of the unreliable organ, which has become an increasing drain on the available funds. Full details at the Organ Appeal link.
The Friends would welcome as new members anyone who is interested in ensuring that this beautiful and historic building, which would have loomed large in Shakespeare’s consciousness, is preserved as a living place of worship and reflection for the future. Please go to Membership link.
In addition to a programme of social events and talks throughout the year, Friends are invited to attend services on Holy Cross Day (14 September), a Carol Service at Christmas and the Annual Festival
We continue to undertake responsibility for the enhancement of the interior and promoting it’s use as an ecumenical venue and paying for the floral displays which enhance it’s simple grandeur. The current major project is the replacement of the unreliable organ, which has become an increasing drain on the available funds. Full details at the Organ Appeal link.
The Friends would welcome as new members anyone who is interested in ensuring that this beautiful and historic building, which would have loomed large in Shakespeare’s consciousness, is preserved as a living place of worship and reflection for the future. Please go to Membership link.
In addition to a programme of social events and talks throughout the year, Friends are invited to attend services on Holy Cross Day (14 September), a Carol Service at Christmas and the Annual Festival
Shakespeare Centre, Henley Street, Stratford upon Avon, CV37 6QW
Tel: 01789 201816
f riends@stratfordguildchapel-friends.org.uk
Web Master: Email webmaster@stratfordguildchapel-friends.org.uk
Tel: 01789 201816
f riends@stratfordguildchapel-
Web Master: Email webmaster@stratfordguildchapel-