Westport Congregational Chapel, Malmesbury

Like many clergymen the Rev. S. Gawen, vicar of St. Paul's, felt that the Act of Uniformity of 1662 was unjust and gave up his living. It is uncertain as to whether he founded the church in Malmesbury, but he was its first minister and served it until his death in 1671. The church was initially Presbyterian, becoming Congregational in 1811. The first chapel was near the site of the present church and was rebuilt in the Horsefair in 1788. The present Gothic style building was erected in 1867 at a cost of £1,933 on a site adjoining that of the old chapel. On 5th October 1972 the Congregationalists merged with the Presbyterians to form the United Reform Church. There is a birth and baptism register from 1823.