Oldest Baptist chapel in UK gets restoration grant

A 15th century Baptist chapel in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, will be restored to its former glory thanks to a grant from the Heritage Lottery fund, it was announced on Monday. 
 

The John Moore Museum in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire has received £189,500 to refurbish the Grade II* listed building which is believed to be the earliest Baptist meeting house in the UK. The project, which will cost £250,000 in total, starts in April and is due to run until May 2018.

Simon Lawton, curator, said: “The Chapel is such a beautiful building and in its way as vital to our local heritage as Tewkesbury Abbey. The Heritage Lottery Fund grant will enable us to give the building a facelift and make it much more user friendly. We’ll also be opening it up for hire to local groups so that the town gets full use of this important, yet hidden, architectural gem.”

The project has taken over two years of planning and consultation with the local community, including the Tewkesbury Baptist Church who own the building and Tewkesbury Borough Council who were the former lease holders. The aim is to repair and restore the building for future generations so that everyone can explore this fascinating part of our national heritage.

The Chapel will have new interpretation, including an exciting computer generated reconstruction of a coded minute book, as well as a bespoke kitchen and toilet. New heating and lighting will be installed too. Later in the year a full programme of educational events will begin.

Nerys Watts, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund South West, said: “We’re delighted to support the John Moore Museum as they bring their historic chapel back into use for the community and visitors to enjoy. We’re particularly impressed by the volunteering and educational opportunities the project offers and the heritage attraction and community space promises to benefit even more people.”

The museum and the chapel are run by The Abbey Lawn Trust, a registered charity with 70 years' experience of preserving historic buildings in Tewkesbury.