Royal Agricultural College Chapel

The Royal Agricultural College Chapel, located in Cirencester, was built between approximately 1846 and 1850 by SW Daukes. It is a building of group value. The chapel is constructed of coursed squared limestone with ashlar dressings, and has an artificial stone slate roof with coped verges, featuring paired trefoil head stops over kneelers. It follows a five-bay rectangular plan and is designed in the Decorated style.

The south side of the building has four two-light pointed windows with traceried heads and clear leaded glass, each with a hoodmould. A studded plank door, complete with decorative strap hinges, is set within a moulded stone surround featuring a pointed head and hoodmould in the westernmost bay. A similar, smaller door is positioned in the easternmost bay. Five buttresses, displaying weathered offsets, are also present on the south side. A deep plinth, with a chamfered offset and moulded top, runs along the base. The weathered offset on the buttresses is continued as a weathered band course below the windows. A moulded stone eaves cornice runs along the top of the building. There is a probable base for a former cross or finial at the apex of the west gable, while a stone cross sits at the apex of the east gable. The east end incorporates a four-light window of similar style to the south side, featuring stained glass, and a triangular window with Decorated tracery in the gable above. The north side mirrors the south side in design.

Inside, a west gallery features stone tracery and carved ornament relating to agricultural themes, including the arms of the college. A stone screen below the gallery has glazed lights with cusped heads. A stone fireplace in a Gothic style is located beneath the gallery, alongside a closed string stick baluster staircase leading to the gallery. There are three tiers of panelled oak pews, decorated with poppyhead details. An octagonal stone font exhibits carved decoration. An octagonal oak pulpit, with carved panelled sides on a moulded stone base, is also present, along with a carved oak desk and chair in a matching style to the pews. A stone arcade, lining the chancel walls, comprises pointed cusped heads on marble columns, with brass memorial plates set on carved stone panels behind. Ball-flower decoration is featured on the cornice and window hoods, along with carved stops. The roof is arch-braced, featuring angel corbels, two tiers of windbraces, and trenched purlins. A C19 organ, built by Gray and Davison of London, is housed in the gallery. Stained glass in the east window, by Paul Quail circa 1964, commemorates Robert “Bobby” Boutflour, Principal of the College from 1931 to 1958, and acknowledges his revolutionary contributions to dairy cow feeding.

The chapel was constructed shortly after the main College building due to complaints regarding students monopolising pews in Cirencester Parish Church on Sundays.