"The Lost Chapel of Westminster" by John Cooper is a richly detailed historical mystery that delves into the hidden past of one of London's most iconic sites. Cooper, known for his meticulous research and engaging storytelling, crafts a narrative that intertwines history, intrigue, and suspense, making it a compelling read for fans of historical fiction and mysteries alike.

The novel likely follows a protagonist—perhaps a historian, archaeologist, or detective—who uncovers clues to the existence of a long-forgotten chapel hidden somewhere within or beneath the grounds of Westminster Abbey. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they uncover secrets that have been buried for centuries, secrets that could potentially rewrite history or have significant implications in the present day. Cooper’s attention to historical detail brings the setting to life, transporting readers to the atmospheric and sometimes shadowy corners of Westminster, where every stone and passageway holds a story.

The narrative may weave between different time periods, juxtaposing the protagonist’s modern-day investigation with the historical events that led to the chapel’s disappearance. Themes of power, religion, and betrayal might be explored as the story unfolds, with the protagonist facing not only the challenges of uncovering the truth but also the dangers that come with disturbing long-buried secrets.

"The Lost Chapel of Westminster" is ideal for readers who enjoy novels that combine historical accuracy with a gripping mystery. John Cooper’s novel promises to be both intellectually stimulating and thrilling, offering a deep dive into the history of Westminster Abbey while keeping readers on the edge of their seats with twists and turns. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply love a good mystery, this book is sure to captivate and intrigue, leaving you eager to uncover the secrets hidden within its pages.

John Cooper’s The Lost Chapel of Westminster is a scholarly work, rich in detail, showing that an immense amount of research has been devoted to the subject. I felt it was a book of two tonal styles: the introductory “Reformation” chapter and the latter part dealing with the seventeenth century onwards are engaging and will be enjoyed by anyone with an interest in history. The part in between, from the building of St Stephen’s Chapel to Charles I, seems much dryer and I struggled to absorb the information at times. I think that’s because it gives huge detail about the physical structure of a building that no longer exists – and this shows the dichotomy of the book.

St Stephen’s Chapel was completed in the 1360s and was destroyed, along with most of Westminster Palace (the old Houses of Parliament) by the fire of 1834. A couple of pieces of the building remain, but any imaginative reconstruction or 3D model must be based upon documents and old paintings or drawings. Cooper can tell us about the Chapel’s builders because the building accounts exist, “a medieval historian’s dream.” We get descriptions of the building; of items such as three iron-bound chests and two pewter candlesticks. We read about gilding, gold leaf and paintings; the names of women who supplied material to the builders; and the canons who worshipped there. As I wrote above, there is immense detail – and I have huge respect for Cooper’s research, but it’s respect, not enjoyment, for this section. If you enjoy reading about medieval ecclesiastical buildings, this is THE book for you – don’t hesitate, snap it up now. It’s all very well written, but it’s not my era and didn’t grab me.

However, I really enjoyed the second part of the book. St Stephen’s Chapel is really important for its post-Reformation influence. The small chapel became the meeting place for the early modern House of Commons in 1549-50 and remained so, with refurbishments and modifications, until the fire of 1834. The subsequent new Houses of Parliament built by Pugin and Barry; and the current rebuild, following a bombing raid in WWII, both deliberately retained aspects of the medieval chapel. The building is too small to seat all members – but there are very few occasions when there are too many members in the Chamber; most debates are fairly sparsely attended. Most of the real work happens in the offices and Committee Rooms around the Chamber. The Chamber is narrow and confrontational with MPs literally taking sides. Cooper debunks the myth about the front benches being two swords’ length apart – the chapel’s aisle permitted a priest and two acolytes to process side by side to the altar and also (which I didn’t know – thank you, Dr Cooper) that MPs don’t bow to the Speaker as they enter, but to the royal arms above the Speaker’s chair. I found this part of the book absorbing. I loved the description of women gathered around the ventilators installed in the Commons, which provided excellent conduction of members’ speeches to those who were forbidden to hear them. I also enjoyed the anecdote about William Pitt confessing he had drunk so much, he couldn’t see the Speaker, and Dundas retorting that he could see two!

So, this is a book of two halves, each of which will be absorbing for many historians – but not everyone should expect to enjoy every chapter equally.

#TheLostChapelofWestminster #NetGalley

Meticulously researched this book will be loved by those who would enjoy reading the detailed history of St Stephen’s Chapel Westminster Abbey. Some knowledge of British history and its line of kingship will help you understand the chronological events which are relevant to the building of St Stephen’s Chapel.
It might be a bit too academic for some readers, it’s not an historical novel, but I love British history and found it a fascinating read.

This book has not formatted correctly leaving my unable to read it. I am therefore unable to give a review.

The Lost Chapel of Westminster by John Cooper is an all encompassing account of the magnificent St. Stephens Chapel. Built within the Palace of Westminster over the reign of three Monarchs taking 70 years to complete.

With the royals of the time living and ruling over the land in the Palace of Westminster the change from Chapel to House of Commons came with the Protestand Reformation.

We learn of the history that gave rise to parliamentarians and the system of governance over the populace with all its pomp and ceremony.

The Chapel of St. Stephen was the absolute crowning glory of The Palace of Westminster and over the years under went many changes to became the House of Commons.
In 1834 the Chamber was gutted by fire and totally destroyed. The rebuilding of the new House of Commons retainded many features of the St. Stephens Chapel.

The building as a whole contians so much history and is clearly and concisely retold here by John Copper.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this up to date account of Westminster and the Chapel and can only agree with John Cooper that the very walls of the building are drenched in the rich patina of so much history.

My thanks go to NetGalley and to Head of Zeus and Apollo for my advanced copy for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Head of Zeus Ltd for this ARC. in return for an honest review.

I selected this book because I love learning about historic buildings, particularly ones as interesting as St Stephen's Chapel. I enjoyed this book and was fascinated by the Chapel’s history and legacy—that it was the home of parliament for nearly 300 years was extraordinary.

This book meticulously traces the chronology of St Stephen's Chapel from its medieval origins to its present state. The author's extensive use of primary and secondary sources instils confidence in the book's credibility, and the planned illustrations would greatly enhance the reader's ability to visualise the discussed points. However, the book's occasional jumps in time and place can make it challenging to follow.
Overall a fascinating read.

This was a much shorter book than I was expecting. It is extremely detailed and well researched. However it does feel more of an academic book or one for people who already have a lot of knowledge about the Palace of Westminster. I picked it up as hearing about a lost chapel piqued my interest. However, I don’t think I was really the intended audience - I didn’t find the tone quite engaging enough to maintain my interest and while I finished the book, I did struggle.

If you have existing knowledge of the Palace of Westminster then I think you will enjoy it. However I felt a bit disappointed.

Thanks to the author, publishers & NetGalley for access to this arc in return for an honest review.

The history of a royal chapel. This building was once the pride of the Plantagenets, a chapel used for ceremonies and services. Then came the Reformation, when it became the House of Commons until it burnt down in 1834. The author has clearly done a lot of research but the book skipped about from one period of history to another, making it a confusing read at times A linear timeline would have worked better.

This is an interesting story, tracing the history of St Stephen's Chapel from the medieval period to its role as a model for the House of Commons. It's more architectural history than I expected from Cooper, better known as a Tudor historian especially of ritual and politics, and lighter on people and personalities than it might have been. I also felt that the structure feels like it could have been clearer and more incisive - the narrative often jumps from Henry VIII to the nineteenth century and back to the medieval period without much warning.

This is targeted as a crossover 'popular' audience rather than an academic one but there is deep research here, drawing on a rage of primary and secondary sources. A clearer and more coherent progressive and more linear narrative would have served the material well.