The Crypt Chapel

The Crypt Chapel

 It is thought that the vaulted undercroft and chapel at Lambeth Palace was completed in 1220. The chapel was initially a free-standing building with an external stair on the west end, although it is now connected with the rest of the palace building at several points.

The Crypt was not originally designed for use as a chapel but was first used as a storage area for beer and wine. The Floor level was raised, probably in the first half of 13^th century because of flooding from the Thames. The window seats in this room are higher, giving an indication of where the 13^th Century floor level came to, approximately three feet above the floor level today. The floor was returned to its original level by architect W. D. Caröe in 1907.

The Crypt was first used as a chapel temporarily during World War II when the main chapel was destroyed. William Temple also used The Crypt as an air raid shelter at the beginning of The War and invited local people to take shelter.

The Crypt became a permanent chapel in 1987 when Archbishop Runcie commissioned the decoration of the main Chapel at Lambeth.

A Fresco of Christ in Glory, which hangs on the wall in the Crypt was given by Pope Paul VI to Archbishop Ramsey in 1966. This gift marked the first official meeting between The Archbishop of Canterbury and The Papacy since the 16^th century.

Today the crypt chapel is an oasis of peace and calm. It is loved by Archbishop Williams and much used as a place for both worship and meetings. Nicolas Pevsner described the Crypt Chapel as "One of the best preserved medieval vaults in London".