Prescott Baptist Chapel

The Prescott Baptist Chapel is located in Culmstock, and incorporates elements from a building originating in 1715. It was largely rebuilt in 1785 and renovated in 1892, with some original furniture retained. The chapel is constructed of plastered stone rubble, with a slate roof. The plan is based on a north-south axis, with an entrance lobby, accessed from the south, leading into the main chapel space and providing access to a gallery which runs around three sides. A baptistry is situated at floor level in front of the pulpit, which is positioned against the north wall.

The south front displays a symmetrical design. Although the window frames and doors are from 1892, the window openings are original. A wide central doorway is contained within a late 19th-century timber gabled porch and incorporates panelled double doors. This is flanked by round-headed windows, with one further window above. Similar windows are located to each side, and a further four windows are present on the north elevation, the two central ones being taller than the outer ones. The latter windows feature patterns of translucent leaded glass. The exterior plaster is lightly incised to resemble ashlar. The roof is gable-ended.

The interior is characterised by rows of octagonal oak posts which support the gallery fronts and rise to support an arcade plate, boxed in with a moulded cornice. A segmental plaster barrel vault spans the centre, with half vaults situated either side of the galleries. The galleries have fielded panel fronts. The baptistry features rounded ends and steps down from the west side. The early 18th-century communion table has turned legs, and the late 19th-century pulpit retains an ornate backboard dating back to 1785. The ground floor benches are from the late 19th century, while those in the galleries are 18th-century and incorporate reused pieces from the earlier chapel. Graffiti dated 1719 and 1721 is visible. Ornate wrought iron boot scrapes date from 1785. The 1892 renovation preserved a significant portion of the 1785 chapel’s fabric. The interior is considered a notable example of unusually elaborate country craftsmanship.