LISTED BUILDING · NHLE 1270326
Forbury Chapel
Forbury Chapel, Leominster
Formerly known as: No.17 Forbury Chapel CHURCH STREET. Chapel, now hall. c1282, with later alterations. Stone rubble; Welsh slate roof with crested ridge-tiles.
Dates and uses reflect the source records and may not describe the building today.
Designation information
Inclusion in the National Heritage List for England confirms that this is a designated heritage asset of national special architectural or historic interest.
People and businesses through time
HISTORICAL ADDRESS RECORD
Through time, Forbury Chapel
1 of 5, C.1282
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About these records
Directory entries can describe a workplace or premises use rather than a residence.
C.1282
ConstructionBuilding construction
Estimated date recorded by the current NHLE building entry.
SourceNational Heritage List for England, NHLE 1270326
Estimated construction date drawn from the NHLE list summary.
Architectural evidence and features
These descriptions relate to particular parts of the building at the date of each source. They may not reflect its use or condition today. Unconfirmed features remain open questions.
Evidence reviewed 13 September 2026.
Documented type / function
- Former chapel of St Thomas of Canterbury; later court-house school assembly hall and offices; hall at NHLE date
Principal identity with historical and subsidiary uses explicitly separated
Late 13th century, circa 1282 traditional foundation; roof probably 16th century in RCHME, late 15th century/16th century reported NHLE; probable 19th century restored windows/doors; 20th century ceiling
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Historic England, NHLE entry 1270326
Royal Commission inventory, 1934
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
Documented phases
- Late 13th century, circa 1282 traditional foundation; roof probably 16th century in RCHME, late 15th century/16th century reported NHLE; probable 19th century restored windows/doors; 20th century ceiling
Source-specific phases, not administrative dates
Late 13th century, circa 1282 traditional foundation; roof probably 16th century in RCHME, late 15th century/16th century reported NHLE; probable 19th century restored windows/doors; 20th century ceiling
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Historic England, NHLE entry 1270326
Royal Commission inventory, 1934
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
External wall material
- Stone rubble
Chapel
Late 13th century, circa 1282 traditional foundation; roof probably 16th century in RCHME, late 15th century/16th century reported NHLE; probable 19th century restored windows/doors; 20th century ceiling
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Historic England, NHLE entry 1270326
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
Roof covering
- Welsh slate
Chapel
Late 13th century, circa 1282 traditional foundation; roof probably 16th century in RCHME, late 15th century/16th century reported NHLE; probable 19th century restored windows/doors; 20th century ceiling
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Historic England, NHLE entry 1270326
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
Other materials / details
- Ashlar stone
Door and window arches
Late 13th century, circa 1282 traditional foundation; roof probably 16th century in RCHME, late 15th century/16th century reported NHLE; probable 19th century restored windows/doors; 20th century ceiling
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Historic England, NHLE entry 1270326
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
- Tile
Crested ridge only
Late 13th century, circa 1282 traditional foundation; roof probably 16th century in RCHME, late 15th century/16th century reported NHLE; probable 19th century restored windows/doors; 20th century ceiling
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Historic England, NHLE entry 1270326
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
Roof structure / details
- Hammerbeam-type trusses without collars
Six-bay roof described 1934, partly concealed
Late 13th century, circa 1282 traditional foundation; roof probably 16th century in RCHME, late 15th century/16th century reported NHLE; probable 19th century restored windows/doors; 20th century ceiling
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Historic England, NHLE entry 1270326
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
Structural system
- Timber
Small bell-cote recorded 1934
Late 13th century, circa 1282 traditional foundation; roof probably 16th century in RCHME, late 15th century/16th century reported NHLE; probable 19th century restored windows/doors; 20th century ceiling
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Historic England, NHLE entry 1270326
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
Architectural features
- Trefoil-headed lancets
Only named component/phase in term and supporting description
Late 13th century, circa 1282 traditional foundation; roof probably 16th century in RCHME, late 15th century/16th century reported NHLE; probable 19th century restored windows/doors; 20th century ceiling
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Historic England, NHLE entry 1270326
Royal Commission inventory, 1934
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
- Stepped buttresses
Only named component/phase in term and supporting description
Late 13th century, circa 1282 traditional foundation; roof probably 16th century in RCHME, late 15th century/16th century reported NHLE; probable 19th century restored windows/doors; 20th century ceiling
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Historic England, NHLE entry 1270326
Royal Commission inventory, 1934
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
- Pointed ashlar arches
Only named component/phase in term and supporting description
Late 13th century, circa 1282 traditional foundation; roof probably 16th century in RCHME, late 15th century/16th century reported NHLE; probable 19th century restored windows/doors; 20th century ceiling
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Historic England, NHLE entry 1270326
Royal Commission inventory, 1934
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
- Studded plank doors
Only named component/phase in term and supporting description
Late 13th century, circa 1282 traditional foundation; roof probably 16th century in RCHME, late 15th century/16th century reported NHLE; probable 19th century restored windows/doors; 20th century ceiling
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Historic England, NHLE entry 1270326
Royal Commission inventory, 1934
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
- Ornate strap hinges
Only named component/phase in term and supporting description
Late 13th century, circa 1282 traditional foundation; roof probably 16th century in RCHME, late 15th century/16th century reported NHLE; probable 19th century restored windows/doors; 20th century ceiling
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Historic England, NHLE entry 1270326
Royal Commission inventory, 1934
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
- Three-light east window
Only named component/phase in term and supporting description
Late 13th century, circa 1282 traditional foundation; roof probably 16th century in RCHME, late 15th century/16th century reported NHLE; probable 19th century restored windows/doors; 20th century ceiling
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Historic England, NHLE entry 1270326
Royal Commission inventory, 1934
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
- Original north trefoiled windows recorded 1934
Only named component/phase in term and supporting description
Late 13th century, circa 1282 traditional foundation; roof probably 16th century in RCHME, late 15th century/16th century reported NHLE; probable 19th century restored windows/doors; 20th century ceiling
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Historic England, NHLE entry 1270326
Royal Commission inventory, 1934
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
- Restored south windows
Only named component/phase in term and supporting description
Late 13th century, circa 1282 traditional foundation; roof probably 16th century in RCHME, late 15th century/16th century reported NHLE; probable 19th century restored windows/doors; 20th century ceiling
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Historic England, NHLE entry 1270326
Royal Commission inventory, 1934
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
- Original west-bay south doorway recorded 1934
Only named component/phase in term and supporting description
Late 13th century, circa 1282 traditional foundation; roof probably 16th century in RCHME, late 15th century/16th century reported NHLE; probable 19th century restored windows/doors; 20th century ceiling
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Historic England, NHLE entry 1270326
Royal Commission inventory, 1934
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
- Roof moulded pendants and carved heads
Only named component/phase in term and supporting description
Late 13th century, circa 1282 traditional foundation; roof probably 16th century in RCHME, late 15th century/16th century reported NHLE; probable 19th century restored windows/doors; 20th century ceiling
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Historic England, NHLE entry 1270326
Royal Commission inventory, 1934
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
- Curved hammerbeam brackets
Only named component/phase in term and supporting description
Late 13th century, circa 1282 traditional foundation; roof probably 16th century in RCHME, late 15th century/16th century reported NHLE; probable 19th century restored windows/doors; 20th century ceiling
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Historic England, NHLE entry 1270326
Royal Commission inventory, 1934
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
- Crossing principal rafters with outer principals
Only named component/phase in term and supporting description
Late 13th century, circa 1282 traditional foundation; roof probably 16th century in RCHME, late 15th century/16th century reported NHLE; probable 19th century restored windows/doors; 20th century ceiling
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Historic England, NHLE entry 1270326
Royal Commission inventory, 1934
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
- Roof date band 1659 probably repair
Only named component/phase in term and supporting description
Late 13th century, circa 1282 traditional foundation; roof probably 16th century in RCHME, late 15th century/16th century reported NHLE; probable 19th century restored windows/doors; 20th century ceiling
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Historic England, NHLE entry 1270326
Royal Commission inventory, 1934
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
- Bell-cote weather-vane dated 1729 recorded 1934
Only named component/phase in term and supporting description
Late 13th century, circa 1282 traditional foundation; roof probably 16th century in RCHME, late 15th century/16th century reported NHLE; probable 19th century restored windows/doors; 20th century ceiling
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Historic England, NHLE entry 1270326
Royal Commission inventory, 1934
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
- Stone rubble walls; Ashlar window surrounds and buttress details; Pointed windows; Stepped buttresses; Slate-form roof; Rectangular glazing grid; Local biological growth and weathering
Visible principal subject only
Supplied capture date 2026-05-28, not independently authenticated
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Leominster Heritage photograph LH-IMG-000113
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
- Gable
East elevation directly photographed
Supplied capture date 2026-05-28, not independently authenticated
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Leominster Heritage photograph LH-IMG-000113
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
Research notes and uncertainties
Component, chronology and current verification: Not an active worship or memorial classification. Roof partly concealed and NHLE interior not inspected, RCHME direct earlier description supports qualified roof. 1659 inscription not original roof date. Stone species and leaded glass need separate evidence. Current use/survival not independently verified for September2026.
Late 13th century, circa 1282 traditional foundation; roof probably 16th century in RCHME, late 15th century/16th century reported NHLE; probable 19th century restored windows/doors; 20th century ceiling [Source-specific phases, not administrative dates; Late 13th century, circa 1282 traditional foundation; roof probably 16th century in RCHME, late 15th century/16th century reported NHLE; probable 19th century restored windows/doors; 20th century ceiling] Source chronology, administrative and reused-material dates separated. Not an active worship or memorial classification. Roof partly concealed and NHLE interior not inspected, RCHME direct earlier description supports qualified roof. 1659 inscription not original roof date. Stone species and leaded glass need separate evidence.
Explore records with these reviewed features. Results may concern only part of a listed group and retain their source-date qualifications.
How this record is evidenced
The designation, listing date and statutory description are drawn from Historic England, NHLE 1270326.
Current survey photographs dated 28 May 2026 record the publicly visible fabric and features shown on this page.
The building has been cross-referenced to the Royal Commission's 1934 Herefordshire inventory. The full matched extract and its cited illustrations are reproduced below with links to the digitised source.
The concise summary and searchable feature tags have been prepared by Leominster Heritage and are kept separate from the statutory wording.
The open questions below identify evidence that has not yet been securely established.
Map location
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Forbury Chapel
Grade II · Late C13, circa 1282 traditional foundation; roof probably C16 in RCHME, late C15/C16 reported NHLE; probable C19 restored windows/doors; C20 ceiling [Source-specific phases, not administrative dates; Late C13, circa 1282 traditional foundation; roof probably C16 in RCHME, late C15/C16 reported NHLE; probable C19 restored windows/doors; C20 ceiling] · SO4959 CHURCH STREET 808-1/1/98 (North side) 24/07/54 Forbury Chapel
Formerly known as: No.17 Forbury Chapel CHURCH STREET. Chapel, now hall. c1282, with later alterations. Stone rubble; Welsh slate roof with crested ridge-tiles.
Current survey photographs
Documentary evidence
Historic England; RCHME: Herefordshire: 115 (3
Royal Commission inventory, 1934
This earlier inventory records the building as it was understood at the time of survey. Its terminology and interpretation should be read alongside the current NHLE entry and present-day observation.
Read the Royal Commission inventory extract
RCHME CROSS-REFERENCE 1
Leominster, monument (3), p. 115.
a (3). Forbury Chapel, now offices, was originally of one storey but now of two; the walls are of stone and the roofs are slate-covered. The chapel of St. Thomas of Canterbury is said to have been built under the influence of Archbishop Peckham in 1282. The chapel stood to the N.E. of the Great Gatehouse of the priory and within the precinct. After the Reformation, it became in turn a court-house, school, assemblyhall, and finally offices.
The Chapel (58 ft. by 26 ft.) is of late 13th-century date and has an E. window (Plate 140) of three plain pointed lights in a two-centred head with a label. The N. wall has, in the W. part two original windows each of a single trefoiled light with a label; the other openings are modern. The S. wall (Plate 140) is divided into three bays by tabled buttresses; in each bay is a restored window similar to those in the N. wall; there is a modern doorway in the middle bay and an original doorway in the W. bay with chamfered jambs and segmental-pointed head. On the roof is a small timber bell-cote with a weather-vane dated 1729.
The Roof, now partly concealed, is of six bays with trusses of hammer-beam type but without collar-beams; the side-posts have moulded pendants and the wall-posts terminate in carved heads; from the wall-posts spring curved brackets to the hammer-beams; the principal rafters cross at the apex, and resting on them is an outer pair of principals which support the purlins. Fixed to the S, side of the roof is a band carved with the date "Anno Dom. 1659," but this would appear to apply to an alteration or repair; the roof itself is probably of the 16th century.
Condition—Good.
Referenced illustrations
Official list description
Original NHLE location reference
SO4959 CHURCH STREET 808-1/1/98 (North side) 24/07/54 Forbury Chapel
LEOMINSTER SO4959 CHURCH STREET 808-1/1/98 (North side) 24/07/54 Forbury Chapel GV II Formerly known as: No.17 Forbury Chapel CHURCH STREET. Chapel, now hall. c1282, with later alterations. Stone rubble; Welsh slate roof with crested ridge-tiles. Three C19(?) lancets with trefoil heads and single transom bars. Two C19(?) studded plank doors with ornate strap hinges, under chamfered pointed ashlar arches; 4 stepped buttresses. Right returned side: 3-light window in moulded ashlar pointed arch. INTERIOR not inspected, but reported as containing late C15/C16 hammerbeam roof mostly hidden by C20 ceiling. (RCHME: Herefordshire: 115 (3); Reeves, N C: The Town in the Marches: 42). Listing NGR: SO4973059176
Sources and further reading
Open questions
- What evidence can establish the sequence and date of the building’s principal alterations?
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