In 1907, eight centuries after the foundation of the Augustinian Priory, the old north transept chapel, and former vestry, was transformed into Southwark Cathedral’s Harvard Chapel

The architect at the time, Charles Blomfield, recorded the apse of the original chapel below the old floor level.

Today, we are investigating whether it can still be seen below the Harvard Chapel floor. A geophysical survey was uninformative, so it is possible that the foundations were destroyed, or that they were surrounded by concrete, hiding them from the radar.

Finding out more about their survival, and their depth, through two trial holes, will help the Cathedral determine the best way to achieve step-free access into the Harvard Chapel, while at the same time preserving as much of the archaeology as possible.

The architect at the time, Charles Blomfield, recorded the apse of the original chapel below the old floor level.

Today, we are investigating whether it can still be seen below the Harvard Chapel floor. A geophysical survey was uninformative, so it is possible that the foundations were destroyed, or that they were surrounded by concrete, hiding them from the radar.

Finding out more about their survival, and their depth, through two trial holes, will help the Cathedral determine the best way to achieve step-free access into the Harvard Chapel, while at the same time preserving as much of the archaeology as possible.