Former Meeting House To Rear Of Harvey'S Hospital

The former Meeting House at Harvey's Hospital, built in 1904, is located at the rear of Harvey's Hospital in Chard. It is constructed of cream brick in stretcher bond and features a gabled slate roof with a glazed clerestory and moulded kneelers on the shaped gables. The building has a brick end stack with moulded stone coping and is designed as a single-storey, one-room structure.

On the east elevation, there is a label mould over a segmental arch with sunk spandrels and engaged shafts leading to the panelled double doors. The south gable wall includes a four-light Tudor-arched transomed window, also topped with a label mould. Inside, the Meeting House retains a glazed ceramic fireplace with a mantelshelf.

Historically, Harvey's Hospital was established in Chard in 1663 by Richard Harvey, a merchant from Exeter who was born in Chard. By the 19th century, the almshouse was in disrepair and was replaced by new buildings in 1841-1842 at a cost of £1,741. The detached Meeting House was added in 1904 to serve as a common room for work and reading, as well as a space for religious services.

The former Meeting House is recognized for its architectural quality, notable external features, and its strong group value with the Grade II listed almshouse, contributing to the historic significance of the site.