Strict and Particular Baptist Chapel, Waddesdon

The Strict and Particular Baptist Chapel, is a former Strict Baptist chapel in Waddesdon Hill, near the village of Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire, England (grid reference SP 753 150). The chapel is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a designated Grade II listed building,[1] and is under the care of the Friends of Friendless Churches.[2] It is the only nonconformist chapel owned by the Friends.[3]

Strict and Particular Baptist Chapel, Waddesdon
Strict and Particular Baptist Chapel, Waddesdon, from the rear
Strict and Particular Baptist Chapel, Waddesdon is located in Buckinghamshire
Strict and Particular Baptist Chapel, Waddesdon
Strict and Particular Baptist Chapel, Waddesdon
Location in Buckinghamshire
51°49′44″N 0°54′31″W / 51.8289°N 0.9085°W / 51.8289; -0.9085
OS grid referenceSP 753 150
LocationWaddesdon Hill, Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire
CountryEngland
DenominationBaptist
WebsiteFriends of Friendless Churches
Architecture
Functional statusRedundant
Heritage designationGrade II
Designated21 December 1967
Architectural typeChapel
Groundbreaking1792
Completed19th century
Closed1976
Specifications
MaterialsColourwashed stone, tiled roof

History

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The chapel was founded in 1792 by Francis Cox.[2] A porch on the front of the chapel and an extension on the right side were added in the 19th century.[1] It continued in use until it closed in 1976. It then came under the care of the charity the Friends of Friendless Churches.[4] The charity holds its freehold dated 31 December 1986.[5] Since the charity took it over, internal repairs have been carried out; the associated stables were conserved in 2005–06; and conservation work was done to the exterior in 2009–10.[2]

Architecture

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The chapel is constructed in colourwashed stone, and it has a tiled roof. At the rear is a brick chimney. On the front of the chapel facing the road is a central porch with a sash window on each side. At the rear there are two similar windows, and two more similar windows on both end walls at a higher level. The extension has a door and two casement windows. Inside the chapel are a gallery, benches and a pulpit, all of which are original, although the pulpit has been moved from its original position.[1] In front of the pulpit is a baptismal pool for full immersion. Also in the chapel is a fireplace, and simple memorials, most of which are painted.[2]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Historic England, "Baptist Chapel, Waddesdon (1117803)", National Heritage List for England, retrieved 11 April 2015
  2. ^ a b c d Waddesdon Hill Strict and Particular Baptist Chapel, Friends of Friendless Churches, archived from the original on 1 July 2011, retrieved 22 July 2010
  3. ^ Saunders, Matthew (2010), Saving Churches, London: Frances Lincoln, pp. 106–108, ISBN 978-0-7112-3154-2
  4. ^ "Rarely used chapel opens to the public again", The Bucks Herald, Johnston Press Digital Publishing, 24 August 2007, retrieved 22 July 2010
  5. ^ Churches and chapels owned by the Friends of Friendless Churches: Details for Visitors, London: Friends of Friendless Churches, June 2010