Former Chapel At Fenacre Farm

The former chapel at Fenacre Farm is a disused private chapel that has been converted into an outbuilding. It dates back to around the 15th century, with alterations made in the late 18th century and extensions added in the 19th century. The structure is built of stone rubble and features a corrugated-iron roof with gabled ends.

The chapel has a small single-cell plan, aligned east-west, with a doorway located towards the west end of the north side. The roof was replaced in the late 18th century, likely when a floor was added and external stairs were constructed to access a loft doorway on the north side. An outshut was built at the east end in the 19th century.

On the exterior, the north side features a doorway on the right with a chamfered sandstone rounded arch and jambs, and an arched timber doorframe inside. There are external stone stairs to the left of the doorway leading to the loft door. The west end has a blocked window in the gable, while the south side has a centrally located window with a relieving arch above it. The large round arch east window is now enclosed within the 19th-century outshut, which has a double-Roman tile roof.

Inside, the walls retain remnants of plaster, and there are small square niches in both the north and south walls. The stone frame of the large east window is missing, and the cill has been lowered. The roof consists of three bays with two lapped and pegged collar-trusses, halved, crossed, and pegged at the apex, along with common rafters, thatching battens, and remains of thatch. The inserted floor was replaced in the 20th century.

Historically, Fenacre was occupied by the Lamprey family in the 12th century before being granted to Canonsleigh Abbey in 1177. The former chapel at Fenacre is a notable example of a small private chapel of ease.