United Reformed Church

HIGH STREET 1. 5190 (north side) United Reformed Church (formerly listed as Congregational Chapel) SZ 0278 5/66 26.6.52 II GV

1. Original building of 1837. Designed by "Mr George Gollop of Poole" (RCHM). Large extension to east built 1901-2, designed by Tom Stevens of Bournemouth (Pevsner). The original building is of Purbeck Stone rubble, with a central projecting section in ashlar. Roof concealed behind parapet. The projecting centre section has 2 doors on the ground floor, with semi-circular heads. These are carved with the dates - Built 1705, and Rebuilt 1837, respectively. First floor has a semi-circular headed window. The side sections have double-hung sash windows on the ground and first floors. Internally, this building retains its panelled gallery round 3 sides - carried on cast iron columns. It is now used as a Hall. The Pulpit from this building has been re-used in the newer extension - see below. At the rear of the original Church, at a lower level, is the old Schoolroom. - believed to be one of the earliest day schools in Swanage. Simple panelling to the walls. The later building is of Purbeck Stone, and is in a Gothic Revival style. The main south front, facing High Street, has the centre "nave" section projecting beyond the "aisles", which end in single- storey porches with parapets. The centre section has a 4-light square-headed traceried window on the ground floor, and above this a large Perpendicular style window. The building is set back in a forecourt with stone paving, which has a Purbeck Stone boundary wall with stone gate piers and iron gates. A prominent building in the High Street. RCHM Monument 3.

Listing NGR: SZ0274578711