The Chapel of Our Lady on Rotherham Bridge is one of only five surviving bridge chapels in the UK. It dates to 1483 and survived as a chapel for 64 years before being closed during The Act of Dissolution in 1547. In 1569 it became an almshouse until, just over 200 years later in 1779 it became a dwelling for the deputy constable, and a jail. 109 years after that it became a tobacconists / newsagents.
In 1901 a petition by Rotherham residents was raised to restore the building back to a place of worship. Sir Charles Stoddart purchased the tobacconist’s business twelve years later, subsequently closed the shop, and proposed to restore the building. However, Sir Charles passed away before the repairs could be completed. In his will, he left £500 to be invested, with the income intended to support the maintenance of services in the Chapel on the Bridge.
Following the end of World War One, the work was completed, and the chapel was re-consecrated in 1924. Services are still held there to this day.
Fujica STX-1 & X-Fujinon 50mm f/1.9 FM on Agfa APX 100. Ilfotec DD-X 1+4 10.5mins @ 20°.
Taken on 7 September 2025
Steel City Snapper photography 