Two Cemetery Chapels, Cheltenham Cemetery

CHELTENHAM

SO92SE BOUNCERS LANE 630-1/2/214 Two Cemetery Chapels, Cheltenham 14/12/83 Cemetery (Formerly Listed as: BOUNCERS LANE Cemetery Chapels)

GV II

Chapels. c1864, by WH Knight, architect. Builders, Messers Billing and Sons. Coursed rough-faced rubble with ashlar dressings. Hard glazed tiles with fishscale bands to roofs, weathered coping cross finials. PLAN/EXTERIOR: the Anglican and Non-Conformist chapels form a symmetrical composition with 3-bay link blocks and a central entrance feature capped by a 2-stage tower with stone spire. Decorated Gothic style with carved steps, strings and large 4-light geometric window and a spherical triangle above. Link passages set one bay back and with central bayed breaks which have 2-light windows with quatrefoils to heads. Pierced parapet. Tower has diagonal buttresses and arcaded belfry stage. Broach spire has arched vents with lucarnes and canopied pedestals on the corner. Returns: 4-bay chapels with gablets above foiled oculi above each window. Projecting gabled porches to outer sides have plank doors in trefoil-headed openings. INTERIOR: retain original joinery and plasterwork, otherwise not inspected. HISTORICAL NOTE: the competition for the cemetery was won by Knight in 1862. Despite the mid C20 additions to the rear, this survives as the finest Victorian cemetery chapel in England, enhanced by its parkland setting.

Listing NGR: SO9716123092