Before the National Trust took care of the Chapel in 1965 (which sparked the restoration of the rest of Gibside), estate tenants secured its survival by ensuring services continued – and therefore the upkeep of the building – long after the Bowes-Lyons had left the estate.
Built of the same locally-sourced creamy sandstone found in buildings elsewhere at Gibside, the carving within the columned portico, of the swags on the dome, and the row of funeral urns surmounting the balustrade are worth looking at.
How was it used?
Sermons were delivered from the top of the pulpit with readings given from the middle, and a clerk sitting below.
Of course, the congregation were traditionally seated according to their role and status on the estate. Naturally with the family box reserved for the Bowes-Lyons (underfloor heating made this area particularly comfortable).
The dome features a hole, where it's possible that a candelabra may have been lowered and raised using a pulley.
Today, a traditional Anglican service still takes place every Sunday, 3-4pm.