Medieval queen 'funded chapel after death of heir'

The death of a medieval heir to the English throne could have led to the construction of a now-ruined chapel.

St Catherine's Chapel, which overlooked Guildford in Surrey, is thought to have been funded by dowager queen Eleanor of Provence, according to tour guide Hugh Anscombe.

He told Secret Surrey that the queen, married to Henry III, had come to the town with grandson Prince Henry, who was "unwell in London". The six-year-old died there in 1274.

"It may be partly for that reason that his granny decided that this would be the right place for a wonderful chapel," Anscombe said.

The Grade I listed building was built in the early 14th Century by Richard de Wauncey, who was the rector of Guildford's St Nicholas Church.

Anscombe said it would have been a "very exotic and exciting building" at the time.

The site became a "chapel of ease" for people who did not want to walk all the way into Guildford for church services, attracting locals who "wanted to see it in all its glory".

"It's just so extraordinary that it survives, even as a ruin," Anscombe said.

"It will be nice if a few more people discover it, I think."

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.