Building record MDR11888 - Presbyterian Chapel, Charlotte Lane, Bradwell

The 1st ed. 25" OS map c. 1880 shows a Unitarian Chapel, Smithy Hill, Bradwell. (1) The chapel was still in use at the beginning of the 20th century. (2, 3) Examination of modern maps indicate the building is still standing and in use as a Scout hall. (4) The Presbyterian congregation gathered in the late 17th century by William Bagshaw was said in 1695 to 'have prepared a more meet place to meet in'. The meeting house was demolished by a 'popish mob' in 1715 and its successor is reported to have been 'destroyed by fire' in the mid 18th century. The present building, which may stand on the site of its predecessors, is dated 1794 and does not appear to incorporate any earlier work; the congregation was latterly Unitarian. The chapel has been used since 1968 as a Scout hall. The walls are of coursed limestone rubble with gritstone dressings and the roof is covered with stone slates. The front east wall, the south of which is partly covered by the adjacent house, has a doorway with narrowly champhored jambs and a lintel between two cross-framed windows with square stone mullions and transoms, the heads are joined by a stone platband. To the left of the gable is a smaller upper window to light a pulpit at the south end. The west wall has three windows similar to those in the front wall; the north and south gable walls are blank. (5)