This week, a 14th century chapel will play host to a heritage open day.

St John & St Anne's Almshouse will be opening up their 14th century chapel in Oakham, supported by Heritage Open Days.

The chapel was visited by the late Queen nearly 40 years ago, so this open day comes at a particularly poignant time for residents, who look set to welcome a statue of the late monarch outside Oakham Library.

You can have your say about the statue at an upcoming Planning and Licensing Committee meeting.

Do you like the statue? Image credit: Nub News.

Heritage Open Days is England's largest community led festival of history and culture. Every year in September, it brings people together to celebrate their community and history, heritage and the hidden treasures in their own community.

As a part of the country-wide celebrations, the St John & St Anne Almshouse Charity is delighted to be opening the doors to its 14th Century Chapel on Friday 15 September 10am-2pm, for people to come and learn more about this historic Chapel.

Attendees will also be able to find out more about the work of the charity that provides independent accommodation for 117 older people across Oakham and Uppingham.

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This is particularly poignant for the local community, who will soon be welcoming a statue of HM Queen Elizabeth II, who visited Rutland multiple times during her reign, one of those including a visit to the chapel and Almhouse.

The statue of Queen Elizabeth II was commissioned by the Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, Dr Sarah Furness, at a private Oakham Castle event and will be the country's first permanent memorial to the Queen.

The £125,000 statue, by sculptor Hywel Pratley, will be funded almost completely with public subscription, and will be sited at the back of the library in Oakham.

While this has been a contested local project, the sculpting process is underway, and the final fixture is expected to be erected this year.

In the meantime, enjoy the heritage event at St John & St Anne's Almhouse.

Find the chapel at:

St Annes Close

Oakham

LE15 6AZ

Alternatively, head to our What's On page for more local events on the horizon.