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The Chapel of St Katharine

St Katharines Chapel The exposed stonework tells of a great deal of change in this part of the building, beginning with an 18th century extension on the north side of the sanctuary. It replaced ‘an old deformed building’ that housed the town fire engine.

Having been used as a vestry and meeting room, an organ loft and storage space, this area was made into a chapel in 1936. It is in memory of Anna Louisa Burrows, wife of the first Bishop of Sheffield and celebrates the ministry of women in the church.

The painted glass in the east window was the work of Christopher Webb with depictions of the visitation of the Angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary, the birth of Christ, Jesus in the home of Mary and Martha, and the angel speaking to the women at Christ’s tomb with the words ‘Why seek ye the living among the dead?’.

The figure of Christ in St Katharines Chapel The triptych painting of three panels above the altar depicts an episode from Luke’s Gospel where the Risen Christ is welcomed as a stranger by two of His disciples, who suddenly recognise Him as He breaks bread. Above the triptych, the figure of the Christ represents His love and authority over life and death, embracing past, present and future generations.

On the south wall is a unique canopied black oak seat, a sedilia, made in the 15th century as seating for clergy. It has carvings of roses and of hounds which bear a likeness to the Talbot dogs and may reflect the generosity of John Talbot, the 1st Earl of Shrewsbury, donor of resources for the 15th century parish church.

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The Chapel of St Katharine