Chapel

800 years of history

On this page

Heritage

The Chapel is the oldest part of Stamford School. 

Originally part of St Paul’s Church, it is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, and is referred to in a deed dated 17 February 1200.

Mother of Henry VII, Margaret Beaufort is known to have been a member of the Guild of St Katherine in 1502, which met at St Paul’s church. She could have visited the church at some point. The refurbished ‘Beaufort’ building at Stamford School is named after her.

In 1548 the parish of St Paul was amalgamated with that of St George. This seems to have led to the west end of St Paul’s Church being demolished, so that the building’s length was considerably reduced. 

It was only when it was decided to move the recently founded (1532) Stamford School into what remained of St Paul’s Church, some time between 1548 and 1553, that the building was saved from complete demolition. The surviving east end became the schoolroom and a new west wall was built.

On Speech Day, 1919, the then-headmaster, Canon Day, announced that this old schoolroom would be restored to its original purpose as a place of worship.

Work began in 1929 to extend the west wall and restore the building to its original size, and the Chapel was consecrated by the Bishop of Lincoln on 21 June 1930.

View an in-depth history of the Chapel.

Virtual Tour of the Chapel

Enjoy a virtual tour created by Old Stamfordian Angus Norriss (OS 92)

Chaplaincy

Chaplaincy

The Chapel is at located at the centre of Stamford School.

When the Schools are open, the Chapel is open for any student, member of staff or parent to use. There are regular services on Sundays and most days during the week, where we celebrate the important festivals and occasions; including Advent, Christmas, Remembrance and Commemoration.

Faith

Our values reflect the faith upon which the Stamford Endowed Schools were founded.

We are a Christian foundation and as such welcome students of all faiths and none. We hope to share values that we can all find in common: reverence for life, service, compassion, forgiveness, justice, community, humility, friendship and thankfulness.

Our Chaplain

Reverend Matthew Phillips

Schools’ Chaplain from Summer 2022

Matthew teaches Philosophy and Ethics as well as supporting outdoor education at the Schools. 'Revvy P', as he is affectionately known, also has a keen interest in the dramatic arts.

Our Schools

Take a look at all three of our schools.

Stamford Town

The Schools lie at the heart of our beautiful, historic town.

History & Heritage

Our Schools are almost 500 years old and enshrined in history.