Duntisbourne Rouse
Duntisbourne Rouse
Duntisbourne Rouse, located in the Cotswolds, England, is known for its ancient Saxon chapel, a significant historical and architectural landmark. This chapel, often referred to as St. Michael’s Church, is a remarkable example of early English religious architecture, dating back to the Saxon era.
The chapel at Duntisbourne Rouse is particularly noteworthy for its age and preservation. It is believed to have been built around the 10th or 11th century, making it one of the few surviving structures from the Saxon period in England. The architecture of the chapel reflects the simplicity and functionality typical of Saxon design, characterized by thick walls, small windows, and often quite modest in size and ornamentation.
One of the key features of this chapel is its simplicity and lack of extensive later medieval or modern renovations, which allows it to retain much of its original Saxon character. This is somewhat rare, as many ancient churches in England were extensively rebuilt or modified in the later medieval period or during the Victorian era.
Inside, the chapel may feature some typical Saxon architectural elements, such as narrow, deeply splayed windows, a simple nave, and possibly a chancel area. The construction would primarily be of local stone, with a layout that reflects the early Christian tradition of worship in England.
The chapel’s setting in Duntisbourne Rouse, a small and picturesque village in the Cotswolds, adds to its charm. The Cotswolds region is known for its beautiful rural landscapes and historic buildings, and a Saxon chapel like the one in Duntisbourne Rouse is a quintessential part of this heritage.
This chapel is not only an architectural gem but also a significant historical site, offering insights into the early Christian history of England and the Saxon period’s building techniques and styles. For those interested in history, architecture, or the early Christian era in England, the Saxon chapel at Duntisbourne Rouse is a must-visit location.
Created: 10 January 2024 Edited: 26 March 2024
Duntisbourne Rouse
Local History around Duntisbourne Rouse
There are some historic monuments around including:
Romano-British site known as Hailey Wood CampChurchyard crossBrimpsfield Castle moundWellhill Copse round barrowCollege Plantation long barrow and round barrowsSection of White Way 900yds (820m) long in Long PlantationRound barrow 830m north east of Combend FarmSettlement SE of Chesterton FarmTar Barrows: the earthwork and buried remains of two prehistoric or Roman round barrows and the buried remains of a Romano-British or earlier funerary and ritual siteLong barrow and Roman amphitheatre and cemeteryScrubditch dykePerrott's Brook dykesChurchyard cross in St Kenelm's churchyardChurchyard cross in St Mary's churchyardIron Age hillfort and Romano-British villa buildings 500m NW of WoodmancoteChurchyard cross in St Michael's churchyardHullasey Grove medieval village siteBowl barrow, known as Rendcomb Old Park round barrow, 300m north east of Old Park FarmHoar Stone long barrowChurchyard cross in St Bartholomew's churchyardSt John's Hospital chantryBrimpsfield CastleCorinium Roman townMiserden bowl barrow, 460m NNE of Misarden ParkChurchyard cross at the Church of the Holy RoodMisarden Park motte and bailey castleChurchyard cross in St Peter's churchyard.
