The Queen's Chapel of the Savoy

General information

The Queen’s Chapel of the Savoy has a long association with the Duchy of Lancaster.

The Chapel is the last surviving building of a hospital founded by Henry VII for homeless people in 1512. It stands on the area of London known as the Savoy.

The Chapel belongs to Her Majesty The Queen in Her Right as Duke of Lancaster. It is a ‘free’ chapel or ‘peculiar’ not falling within any bishop’s jurisdiction, but remaining firmly within the Church of England.

The Chapel remains an important part of the Savoy Estate, the Duchy of Lancaster’s principal London land holding. It continues to provide spiritual service to the community, as it has done for over 500 years.

The Queen’s Chapel of the Savoy is also the chapel of the Royal Victorian Order, an Order of Chivalry within the Sovereign’s personal gift. By The Queen’s appointment, the present Chaplain is also Chaplain of the Order.

The expenses of the Chapel are borne by The Queen in Right of Her Duchy of Lancaster. Maintenance of this historic building remains the Duchy of Lancaster’s responsibility. Recent work has included the landscaping of the gardens in honour of Her Majesty’s Golden Jubilee, and the restoration of the Chapel ceiling in 1999.

Members of the public are most welcome to attend services in The Queen’s Chapel of the Savoy. The Chapel is open Monday to Thursday 9am to 4pm and for Sunday service at 11am. However, it is always closed during August and September and for the first Sunday after Christmas and Easter. The Duchy of Lancaster appoints the Chaplain. For more information e-mail the Steward, Squadron Leader Thomas Leyland RAF rtd (tleyland@duchyoflancaster.co.uk)