Unitarian Chapel And Attached Walls, Railings And Gates

This is a Unitarian chapel, originally built in 1733 and significantly altered in 1811 and again in 1900. It is constructed of coursed limestone rubble with dressings and coping of Ham Hill stone, topped with a slate roof and ceramic ridge tiles.

The west-facing street facade was remodelled in 1900. The central portion has a truncated gable, above which is a semi-circular lunette window with leaded lights. Below the window are double doors under a plain lintel bearing a datestone. Flanking the doors are two tall, round-arched windows with dripmoulds, each featuring a central mullion and a transom at the point where the arch meets the wall. These windows are thought to date back to the original construction. A wider but similar three-light window is found on the right return, and a smaller two-light mullioned window is located at eaves level on the left return. A similar three-light window is also on the left return wall. A rear wing, added in 1900, also has a truncated gable and a reset three-light window from the 18th century on its south end, and a tall cross-window on its west side, facing the street. A large stone urn sits atop the gable of the rear wing.

The interior, which was remodelled in the 19th century, contains a stained glass window dating to 1893, a clock made in 1782 by Thomas Cottell, and 18th and 19th century memorials dedicated to the Blake family, including Pastor William Blake (1754-99), and a marble tablet dated 1835 commemorating the Fitchett family, signed by Payne of Beaminster.

Limestone rubble walls enclose a front garden and a strip to the right. These walls are attached to the south-east corner of the adjacent property, run along Pullman’s lane, and are also connected to the rear right wing. The front walls have a plinth capping with spiked railings and urn finials, and a matching pair of double gates leading to steps up to the main entrance. The side walls have curved Ham Hill stone coping. The chapel was first built in 1733, and associated schools were founded by Mr. Raikes in 1788, among the oldest in the West of England. Significant repairs, including a new roof and pews, were undertaken in 1811, costing over £400.