Vestry  former st  helen chapel

The Vestry and Hagioscope

The Vestry on the left side of the chancel was dedicated to St Helen. It is more commonly used as a private room for the vicar to change into their vestments, an office and a place where they can  keep important papers and documents etc.

Alongside the wooden pulpit, donated by James Gordon in the 1790's is the opening known as a hagioscope or squint.This is the largest in north Somerset and resembles a door rather than a window. The congregation in St Annes Chapel could look through to the High Altar in the Chancel. This area is now covered by a blue curtain.

This brings you to the end of the tour. Please feel free to wander around our church and have a closer look at some of the items we have spoken about.

Thank you for coming

St Mary's Portbury
  1. Portbury Church
  2. the Church of St Mary the Virgin
  3. The Porch and Heritage Centre
  4. The Berkeley Chapel
  5. the Elizabethan oak chest
  6. The Nave
  7. The Organ
  8. The Tower.
  9. The Bells
  10. The Clock
  11. The Chancel
  12. The Vestry and Hagioscope
  13. Tour End