A unique museum and the last free standing chapel in England

Horniman Museum

The Horniman Museum and Gardens in Forest Hill, London is a most surprising place. Opened in Victorian times by Frederick John Horniman this museum hold his collection. Apparently he used to walk through and explain items to visitors. Once a family house he turned it into a place displaying items from around the world. These days there is a Butterfly House, Aquarium (which I didn't visit) and an animal walk through section with rabbits and sheep. The gardens are beautiful (there is also a play area and musical garden) and being set on a hill you can see across London in a most spectacular way. I'd also recommend the cafe - great food! It's a brilliant place for kids. The house and gardens are free, but there is a cost for the butterfly house and aquarium (you can also purchase a combined ticket).

This past weekend was Open House weekend in London. For years I have wanted to visit a local chapel which is owned by a grammar school. When I noticed it would be open on Sunday my chance had come.

Butterfly house

Enjoying myself at the musical pipes!

The American Indian Listening Post (gardens)

Musical Gallery

World Gallery

Detail on the front of the museum building

View across London

The Lovekyn Chapel

The Lovekyn Chapel was founded by Edward Lovekyn in 1309, the result of a deal struck after the bill for his catering services was still outstanding years after the event - which just happened to be the marriage of Edward I to his second wife Margaret of France in 1299. He agreed to forgo all by 100 shillings if he had permission to build a Chantry chapel. This was agreed.

The building is small and nothing too remarkable inside (whitewashed walls) but is unique as it is the only free standing Chantry chapel and since 1927 a starred Grade Two listed building. It stands in a town that dates back to Saxon times (Kings were crowned here, hence Kingston is a Royal Borough as well as a London Borough). There is accommodation upstairs and once the site housed other chapels and buildings such as stables. It has also been the home for a grammar school for 317 years. In its life it was named the Queen Elizabeth Grammar School but outgrew the building. A new school was built opposite and later renamed Kingston Grammar School. The school have used the chapel as a gym and art room, but also for concerts and now hire it out as a wedding venue. It is overlooked by Tiffin Boys School and stands right on the corner of the main road in and out of Kingston. It was lovely to finally see inside this chapel.