This little known story spans a centaury, seven popes, one archbishop, three bishops, and four abbots – all on account of a hamlet whose residents wanted to build their own chapel.
Pip’s booklet sets the scene of life in the 14th and 15th centuries, and the role of the (then) port of Hook. It is little known today that the current village of Hook is located almost a mile further inland from its original location on the coast. Back in the 14th centaury Hook was a secure and convenient anchorage for merchant ships. It was also a convenient location for travelers. Roads at the time were poor, and coastal journeys by sea were often a faster means of transport. All of this activity made Hook a prosperous place. It was not surprising, therefore, that the inhabitants of Hook – some of them wealthy merchants – wanted their own chapel and permission was sought.
The result was a long a tortuous dispute that at one point spilled over into armed resistance. Eventually a chapel was built but the story did not end there. To find out what happened, and where the chapel is likely to have been sited then read this interesting and enlightening booklet that brings back to life a forgotten chapter of our local history.
Cover picture: an artist’s impression of the 14th centaury chapel at Hook (Paul Cope).