The Robin Chapel

The Robin Chapel was built by Sir Frances and Lady Tudsbery in memory of their only son, Robin a lieutenant in the Royal Horse Guards (The Blues), who was killed in Germany in the last days of the Second World War while serving with his First Household Cavalry Regiment. His parents sought not only to commemorate a beloved son but also to further the spirit of unity and concord among Christian people.

The stone used in the construction of the Chapel is from Doddington Quarries, Northumberland. The roof is of Ballachulish Slate. The Finial over the west door is of wrought iron and depicts a bush on which is perched a robin. Over the West door entrance are inscribed the words "Come in, Come in, Eternal Glory thou shalt win". Words taken from Pilgrim's Progress when Christian fought his way into the Palace of Grace.

The oak panelling throughout the chapel is from Binning Woods on the estate of the Earl of Haddington. The carving on the panels and the stalls is the work of Thomas Good of Ramsay Lane, who was responsible for much of the carving in St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall and other works in London and New York. He claimed that the oak was the most beautiful he had ever worked. The many carvings of birds and animals recall Robin's great love of them.

The Tudsberry's also endowed the chapel so that a full choir, organist, sub-organist, Chaplain, Verger, and Guest Preacher can assemble every Sunday afternoon and deliver a magnificent choral service - where hardly anyone finds their way into the congregation. This is truly a hidden gem, and I wish I could think how to make it less so.

The organist and director of music at this time is Simon Nieminski.

The Robin Chapel