| Building Name: | St Tugual's Chapel |
| Coordinates: | 49.4717°N -2.4492°W |
| Region: | None |
| State: | States of Guernsey |
St Tugual's Chapel is a non-denominational and non-consecrated chapel which dates from the 11th century.[1] It is located on Herm,[2] the smallest of the Channel Islands open to the public.[3] The Chapel is currently listed on the Register of Ancient Monuments and Protected Buildings for the States of Guernsey.
The chapel, which incorporates an earlier structure,[4] dates from the 11th century;[5] but it has been suggested that the site has been of religious significance from the 6th century.[6] It is uncertain if the chapel was named after Saint Tugual because he visited Herm; or if it was so called by Tugual's followers.[6]
The current chapel was built by Norman monks who lived on the island.[6]
When the Wood family took over the island's lease in 1949, they re-opened parts of the chapel; and cleared several windows.[6]
The Chapel featured on a 1970 stamp.[7]
In 2010 and 2011, the chapel was closed for restoration work, in which there was re-roofing,[8] repointing, re-rendering, and drainage installation. The States of Guernsey are responsible for the chapel's upkeep.[8] The chapel re-opened with a special re-dedication service in May 2011.[9]
During the works; two skeletons were found; that of an adult and that of a child.[9] The skeletons were originally estimated to be between 400 and 500 years old.[9] Soon, three more part skeletons were expected to be excavated;[10] but eventually, within a 15m sq area; 40 skeletons were found,[11] around 50% of which were children. The skeletons were taken to Guernsey by a team led by Philip de Jersey, then were returned to Herm for burial. The earliest bones dated were from the second half of the 10th century.[12]