Minsden Chapel

Minsden Chapel is an isolated ruined chapel in the fields above the hamlet of Chapelfoot, near Preston, Hertfordshire. Today it is a roofless shell, partly surrounded by a small wood, and accessible only by footpath.

It was originally built in the 14th century, but by the 17th century had fallen into disrepair. Marriages continued here into the 18th century, until the crumbling masonry became too dangerous. One story says that a piece of falling stonework knocked the prayer-book out of a priest's hand during a marriage ceremony.

In the 20th century, the chapel was closely associated with the historian Reginald Hine, from nearby Hitchin. He frequently visited here, and is now buried next to the entrance to the chapel.

In 1907 W.T. Latchmore took a photograph of a ghostly monk. The rumours of paranormal activity first appeared around this time. The haunting most frequently reported is that of a single monk climbing stairs (which no longer exist) to the north-east of the chapel. This is said to occur at midnight on Halloween. Other reported experiences include the sighting of a glowing cross on the wall, and the hearing of either distant music or of the ringing of the stolen bells. Legends also exist of a lost tunnel, and of a murdered nun.

Despite the many reports, very little evidence exists to support the validity of any of these stories.