Dissenters' Chapel, Kensal Green facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dissenters' Chapel, Kensal Green |
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Dissenters' Chapel,
Kensal Green Cemetery |
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| OS grid reference | TQ 239 824 |
| Built | 1831–34 |
| Built for | General Cemetery Company |
| Rebuilt | 1997 |
| Restored by | Historic Chapels Trust |
| Architect | John Griffith |
| Architectural style(s) | Neoclassical |
| Governing body | Historic Chapels Trust |
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Listed Building – Grade II*
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| Designated | 15 April 1969 |
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The Dissenters' Chapel, Kensal Green is a special building located in Kensal Green Cemetery in North Kensington, London. It's a working chapel, which means it's still used today. This chapel is officially recognized as a Grade II* listed building, meaning it's very important historically and architecturally. The Historic Chapels Trust takes care of it.
Contents
A Look Back: The Chapel's Story
The Dissenters' Chapel was the very first chapel built specifically for Nonconformists in a public cemetery. Nonconformists were people who chose not to follow the main Church of England. A part of the cemetery was set aside just for them.
Building the Chapel
There was a competition to design the chapel. Henry Edward Kendall won with a Gothic style design. However, the job was given to John Griffith, who worked for the General Cemetery Company. Griffith designed the chapel in a Greek Revival style, which looks like ancient Greek buildings. The chapel was built between 1831 and 1834.
Damage and Restoration
During the Second World War, the chapel was badly damaged by bombs during an air raid. For many years after that, the building slowly fell apart. Its side sections were even taken down in the early 1970s. By the 1990s, the chapel was empty and being damaged by vandals.
To save the building, the Historic Chapels Trust took over. They started a big restoration project, which was finished in 1997. This included rebuilding the side sections and fixing the main part of the chapel. They also brought back the original painted designs inside. A visitor center was added in the north wing. This restoration project received awards, including one from Europa Nostra in 1998.
Design and Location
The Dissenters' Chapel is part of Kensal Green Cemetery, which is London's oldest public cemetery, opened in 1832. The cemetery itself is a very important historical site. Many other listed buildings are also found there.
The chapel is built using Portland stone and brick covered with stucco (a type of plaster). At the front, it has a grand entrance called an Ionic tetrastyle portico. This means it has four tall columns with special scroll-like tops, supporting a triangular roof section called a pediment. On each side of this entrance are three-section wings. These wings have columns called pilasters along the front.
Inside the Chapel
Inside the chapel, you'll find modern pews (benches), a pulpit (where a speaker stands), and a reading desk. The east wall has more pilasters. Below the chapel, there's an underground burial area called a catacomb, which is partly sealed off.
What Happens There Today?
Today, the Friends of Kensal Green Cemetery help manage the chapel for the Historic Chapels Trust. They make it available for funerals. They also organize many public events. These include art exhibitions, open days, and evening talks. The chapel is often the last stop on tours of the cemetery.
See also
- List of chapels preserved by the Historic Chapels Trust
