Watts Memorial Chapel

The Watts Memorial Chapel is a mortuary chapel built between 1896 and 1898 by Mary Seton Watts and the villagers of Compton, with its interior completed in 1901. It was constructed as part of a new cemetery to replace the old churchyard, which had closed in 1895. The building is constructed of local red brick with rubbed and cut brick decoration, and has a pantiled roof. It is designed on a Greek cross plan set within a circular form. Each arm of the cross features two round-arched headed windows with step surrounds, in a Romanesque style. Tall jamb shafts have foliage capitals, and there is an open gable end above. Buttresses at the base of the arms have paired shafts with Romanesque capitals and terracotta decoration. Curved quadrant sections of the circular walls are corbelled out above first-floor level, each with a curved roof, three winged figures as corbels, and intricate flowing terracotta work above. A square bell turret with arched openings on each side and open gable ends, containing further terracotta decoration, stands in the south-east corner. The south-west arm has a round-headed door surround with a single step, containing doubled carved and panelled doors. Curved and flowing terracotta benches are attached to the chapel walls.

The interior is decorated in an Art Nouveau style with complex symbolism. The circular plan incorporates four deep embrasures representing the arms of the cross, which are vaulted over by pairs of thick, parallel ribs. The walls are decorated with gesso in sombre blues and reds, featuring elongated angels carrying cameos within ornate frames linked to form a chain. Additional angels are positioned above, with cherubs’ heads on the ribs of the vault. A ‘Tree of Life’ motif, with roots intertwined, forms a dado frieze around the bottom of the walls, extending upwards to the base of the benches. An altar recess, gilded, contains "The All Rewarding" by G F Watts. The altar is inscribed with a dedication noting the chapel's design by Mrs Watts, wife of G F Watts, its construction in 1896 by her and the people of Compton, and its dedication to the memory of those buried nearby.