Chapel - Halston Estate

Halston Hall Chapel

Halston Hall Chapel is a grade I listed timber-framed chapel that lies isolated in the ground of Halston Hall.

The chapel is one of only two timber framed churches in Shropshire and was constructed in the second half of the 15th century. It is also remarkable for the survival and quality of its early C17 and C18 fittings, the latter paid for by Richard Mytton (died 1731). It was built for a preceptory of the Knights Hospitallers that was at Halston from the late 12th century. The chapel stands within a raised churchyard and there are extensive earthworks (almost certainly connected with the preceptory), including what appears to be a dried-up moated platform to the south, in the surrounding fields.

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Visiting the Chapel

Photo of Halston Chapel from across a field

Photo of Halston Chapel hosting a service

Photo of a gravestone in Halston Chapel's grounds

The chapel has a rectangular three-bay nave and a tiny lower chancel, and the framing is entirely close studding. The thin brick west tower is probably a Georgian addition.

Because it is private, Halston Chapel is not subject to quinquennial inspections by an architect. However, it is regularly maintained by the family. Recent repairs have been carried out to the roof and further work is planned to remedy damage caused by squirrels to the outside of the building. The chapel is unheated and the top row of glass in the windows has been removed and replaced with metal grills and covered with loose sheets of Perspex. This has the advantage of creating greater air circulation in the chapel but may slightly reduce the ability for the building to act as a buffer against fluctuating temperatures and relative humidity levels. The gaps in the windows do not seem to be causing additional damage to the two hatchments that hang above them.

Visiting Halston Chapel

We have the pleasure in opening Halston Chapel for viewing to the public by appointment on the dates shown below. Visitors will meet at Halston Hall and will then be transported to the Chapel.

We have recently set up a charity called The Friends of Halston Chapel so whilst there is no charge for visits, donations towards the upkeep of the chapel will be gratefully received. There will be more events for the chapel which can be viewed on our website in due course.

Address: Halston Hall, Whittington, Oswestry, SY11 4NS.
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If you would like to view the Chapel, please feel free to contact us either by email or the telephone number below.