Over £50k secured to protect future of Grade II listed Halesworth church
The money's come from Historic England
Last updated 25th May 2022
Over £50k has been secured to help pay investigation work into repairs to a historic Grade Two listed church in Halesworth.
The money, from Historic England, will be spent on finding out more about what needs fixing at the Walpole Old Chapel, which has been at the heart of the village for over 400 years.
The building is at risk due to large cracks in the walls, which is allowing rainwater get into the timber frame and through the inside of the chapel.
From the outside the listed building looks like a Suffolk farmhouse and it's thought it may have originally been a home, rather than a chapel.
Archaeological evidence uncovered during repair works in the late 20th century suggests that prior to the extension, the original building had already been changed and fitted out as a chapel with galleries upstairs.
The interior fittings are largely from the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
The chapel was formally closed in the 1970s. It is now owned by the Historic Chapels Trust and is used for weddings, services, performances and as a heritage tourist attraction.
The chapel is cared for by The Friends of Walpole Old Chapel, a dedicated group of volunteers.
Sarah Morrison, Historic England Architect/Surveyor said: “Walpole Old Chapel is a historic gem and a rare survival of a 17th century non-conformist chapel.
"This urgent investigation will help us to learn more about the structural issues that are endangering this special building and will hopefully be the first step in saving the chapel for the local community who enjoy and cherish it.”
Simon Weeks, Secretary of The Friends of Walpole Old Chapel said: “Local people will be delighted to hear about the award of this grant.
"The chapel is unique and is highly valued by communities in Suffolk and well beyond, but it is at risk. As local volunteers we feel we are doing something really worthwhile in helping to look after the building and sharing its significance as widely as possible.
"The grant is a huge boost, which should allow us to complete all the work required for Listed Building Consent.”
Chris Smith, Chairman of the Trustees, Historic Chapels Trust said: “The Historic Chapels Trust is delighted to see the progress being made by the group at Walpole Old Chapel in developing the next phase of repair which this wonderful building needs - and is very grateful for the support from Historic England”.