Congregational Chapel, Sherston

Congregational Chapel, Sherston
Date of image
2003
Date uploaded
25 October 2007
Number of views
669
Number of comments
0
Location of image
Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre, Chippenham
Notes

In the late 18th and early 19th centuries various private houses were licensed for Independent worship while immediately before the chapel was built services were held in a house called 'Northend' in Back Lane, now Grove Road. Lay preachers, mainly from Wooton under Edge, came to the house and the Rev. Rowland Hill also often preached there. A Sunday School was established in 1822. Later a barn in Back Street, now Cliff Road, was bought by a member of the congregation, a farmer called Cook, and made into a chapel with a vestry. It was licensed for worship in October 1825 and could seat 200. The congregation of small tradesmen and artisans prospered and were able to open a British School, also in Back Road, in 1844 which continued until 1895. Unlike many village non-conformist churches the Congregational church has continued throughout the 20th century and is still prospering today.