In 653 Cedd sailed down the east coast of England from Lindisfarne and landed at Bradwell. Here he found the ruins of an old deserted Roman fort. He probably first built a small wooden church but as there was so much stone from the fort he soon realised that would provide a much more permanent building, so he replaced it the next year with the chapel we see today.  Cedd modelled his church on the style of churches in Egypt and Syria. The Celtic Christians were greatly influenced by the churches in that part of the world and we know that St Antony of Egypt had built his church from the ruins of a fort on the banks of a river, just as Cedd did on the banks of the River Blackwater in Essex (then known as the River Pant). St Peter’s Chapel is generally considered to be Britain’s oldest church, or at least one of them.

Today, the chapel stands surrounded by farmland on the wild sea wall of the Dengie Peninsular. Behind the chapel is a designated wild bird sanctuary, where one can see huge numbers of sea-fowl and wading birds. We recommend bringing a picnic on June 28th. Why not enjoy the beauty of the location as well as the stunning music?

Please note; there is a walk from the car park to the chapel. Any audience members requiring disabled access should let us know beforehand via Maldon Tourist Information Office on 01621 856503.

For more information about this venue, please visit the St Peter's Chapel Website.