Belper Congregational Church

Belper Congregational Church is a Grade II listed former congregational chapel on Green Lane in Belper, Derbyshire.

Belper Congregational Church
Belper Congregational Church
Belper Congregational Church is located in Derbyshire
Belper Congregational Church
Belper Congregational Church
Location within Derbyshire
53°01′32.7″N 1°28′48″W / 53.025750°N 1.48000°W / 53.025750; -1.48000
LocationBelper, Derbyshire
CountryEngland
DenominationCongregational
Architecture
Heritage designationGrade II listed[1]
Architect(s)George Woodhouse
StyleFrench Gothic
Completed13 November 1872
Specifications
Length84 feet (26 m)
Width40 feet (12 m)
Height40 feet (12 m)
Spire height120 feet (37 m)

History

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It was built to replace an earlier chapel of 1790 which the congregation had outgrown. It was designed by George Woodhouse of Bolton, Architect[2] and built by Mr. Cash of Duffield. It comprised a nave with entrance vestibule and staircase, and a chancel at the east end which contained the organ and choir. On either side of the chancel, vestries were provided. There was a gallery at the west end and provision was made for galleries on each side if later required. The tower at the south-western angle of the building was surmounted by a spire and metal finial. The walls were of stone and both ashlar and dressings were from local quarries. There were sittings for 550 persons. The total cost was about £4,000 (equivalent to £451,100 in 2023).[3] The church opened on 13 November 1872.[4] The church was extended to form a schoolroom in 1899. In the 1980s, the church building became surplus to requirements. The congregation moved into a new smaller building behind and in the late 20th century the 1872 building was converted to housing.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Historic England, "Congregational Church, Green Lane (1335299)", National Heritage List for England, retrieved 11 January 2019
  2. ^ "Belper. New Independent Chapel". Glossop Record. England. 8 January 1870. Retrieved 11 January 2019 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  3. ^ UK Retail Price Index inflation figures are based on data from Clark, Gregory (2017). "The Annual RPI and Average Earnings for Britain, 1209 to Present (New Series)". MeasuringWorth. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
  4. ^ "Belper. Opening of the New Congregational Chapel". Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Herald. England. 16 November 1782. Retrieved 11 January 2019 – via British Newspaper Archive.