Belvoir Street Chapel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hansom Hall |
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| 52°37′56″N 1°07′56″W / 52.6322985°N 1.1322072°W@ | |
| Location | Leicester, England, UK |
| History | |
| Former name(s) | Belvoir Street Chapel |
| Status | adaptive reuse |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade II listed |
| Designated | 5 January 1950 |
| Architect(s) | Joseph Hansom |
| Completed | 1845 |
Hansom Hall is a historic building in Leicester, England. It was once a church called the Belvoir Street Chapel. People also knew it as the 'Pork Pie Chapel'. Today, it is used for adult education.
Contents
A Look at Hansom Hall's History
Hansom Hall has a long and interesting past. It was built in 1845. The building was first known as the Belvoir Street Chapel. It served as a place of worship for a group called the Baptists.
Leicester's Religious Past
In the 1800s, Leicester was a very important city for different religious groups. Many people in Leicester were 'non-conformists'. This means they belonged to Christian churches that were not the official Church of England. Because of this, Leicester was sometimes called the 'Metropolis of Dissent'. Many new chapels and churches were built during this time.
Who Designed This Unique Building?
The famous architect Joseph Hansom designed the chapel. He was known for his unique building styles. The building was completed in 1845. It quickly became a well-known landmark in Leicester.
The 'Pork Pie Chapel' Nickname
The chapel earned a funny nickname: the 'Pork Pie Chapel'. This was because its round shape reminded people of a traditional English pork pie. This nickname helped it stand out.
Becoming a Protected Building
On January 5, 1950, the building received a special status. It became a Grade II listed building. This means it is an important historic building. It is protected by law to make sure it lasts for future generations.
From Chapel to Education Centre
The building's purpose changed over time. In 1947, the church congregation joined another Baptist church. This was the Charles Street Chapel. After this, the Belvoir Street Chapel building was sold.
A New Chapter as Hansom Hall
The building was then renamed Hansom Hall. This new name honored its original architect, Joseph Hansom. Today, Hansom Hall is part of the Vaughan College in Leicester. It is used for adult education. People go there to learn new skills and subjects.
See also
- List of Baptist churches in England
