St James' Palace: The Chapel Royal

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Sir Walter Besant, in The Fascination of London, published in 1903, continues his survey of St James' Palace with this look at the Chapel Royal:

St James' Palace: the only parts remaining of King Henry VIII's building are the gatehouse, some turrets, a mantelpiece in the presence chamber, which bears the initials H. and A. (Henry and Anne Boleyn) with a true lovers' knot, the Chapel Royal (which has, of course, been renovated), and the tapestry-room.

Levées are still (1903) held at the palace.

On the west of the gatehouse a series of apartments were being prepared for the Duke of Clarence at the time of his death, and were afterwards assigned to the present Prince and Princess of Wales.

At the west end is Clarence House, in the occupation of the Duke of Connaught.

This was occupied by the King of Prussia and his sons on their visit to England in 1814. The Duchess of Kent resided here until 1861.

The Lord Chamberlain's offices and residence, and also the official residence of the Keeper of the Privy Purse, are among the official chambers in St James' Palace.

There are minor offices also, those of the Clerk of the Works, and the Gentlemen of the Wine Cellar; there are state apartments and the quarters of the Gentlemen at Arms and the Yeomen of the Guard.

There are several courts in the palace, namely, the Ambassadors' Court, Engine Court, Friary Court, and Colour Court.

There have been various chapels connected with the palace, but the only two of importance are the Chapel Royal and German Chapel, which still remain.

The Chapel Royal is supposed to be on the site of the chapel of the ancient hospital for fourteen leprous women, and various Norman remains dug up in the course of repairs favour this supposition.

The roof is beautifully decorated in panels by Holbein; the date of its completion is supposed to be 1540.

Prince George and Princess Anne; Frederick, Prince of Wales; George IV; Queen Victoria; and the Empress Frederick, were all married in this Chapel.

The German Chapel was founded in 1700 by Princess Anne; service was held in it once on Sundays up to the present reign, but has now been discontinued.

Next: Marlborough House: Duke of Marlborough