Nonconformist Cemetery Chapel

The Nonconformist cemetery chapel, built in 1847 by GH Stokes under the direction of Joseph Paxton, is a Grade II* listed building. It features limestone ashlar facing on sandstone masonry and has a slate roof.

Located towards the southern end of the cemetery on level ground, the chapel has a roughly north-facing rectangular shape with wings extending to the east and west, resembling a classical temple with an in antis plan.

The exterior showcases the temple design, with two giant fluted Ionic columns in antis on the north front, flanked by paired Tuscan antae. The entablature and pediment are adorned with dentil cornices. Behind the Ionic columns is a central doorway with double panelled doors set in a moulded architrave, complete with a frieze and cornice above. A blank tablet is positioned above the doorway.

On either side, single-storey wings project slightly, each with three bays defined by pilasters. The bay next to the chapel is blind, while the outer two bays are open, designed to accommodate mural tablets. The original roofs, which were hidden behind parapets, have been lost.

The return elevations feature two bays separated by paired pilasters, and the south end mirrors the north with a pediment and paired angle pilasters. There are flat-arched windows in eared architraves, which are now blocked.

Inside, following a fire in the early 21st century, the chapel's interior remains unfinished, with dado panelling and plasterwork lost. The inner sandstone structure is exposed, revealing brick linings to the openings, most of which have been temporarily blocked. The roof has been completely replaced.