Listed Building record MDR11916 - Congregational Chapel and Sunday School, Buxton Road, Bakewell

Congregational Chapel and Sunday School, Buxton Road, Bakewell, built in 1849. The 1st ed. 25" OS map c. 1880 shows a Chapel on Mill Street (later Buxton Road), Bakewell. (1) The chapel was still in use at the beginning of the 20th century. (2, 3) Examination of modern maps indicate that the chapel is still in use as a church. (4) 'The Congregationalists, originally the Independents, have had a chapel here since 1795. The present building, with schoolroom underneath, was erected in 1849.' (5) 'It was said that Bagshaw 'the Apostle of the Peak' was accustomed to visit Bakewell occasionally to preach soon after his ejectment from the Establishment in 1662. Before 1788 pious dissenting gentlemen from time to time visited Bakewell and generally preached outdoors. Later, a barn was secured, pulpit and forms installed and services held. In 1804 the barn was abandoned and the chapel built in Mill Street…in 1824 the chapel was enlarged. In 1842 Mr J Spencer was minister, and the present church and school were built, being opened in October 1844. The church seats 400, and the school holds 160.' (6) From the National Heritage List for England: 'BAKEWELL SK2168 BUXTON ROAD 831-1/4/52 (North East side) Catholic Church of the English Martyrs GV II Church. 1849. Ashlar sandstone with rubble limestone to rear, slate roof. 1:4 bays; bay 1 projects and is gabled; single vessel raised over schoolroom. Orientated north-south (ritual orientation used in this description). EXTERIOR: gabled pilasters at angles and bay divisions; tall plinth with offset above pairs of lancet windows to the basement. Chamfered sill band to tall lancets which light the body of the church. Bay 1 gable has round-arched door; in plinth a lancet window and vesica. Pointed-arched door in right side approached by flight of steps with ashlar side wall and 2 lancet openings beneath. Eaves cornice, shaped kneelers and moulded gable copings; roll-finial to front gable. East end: taller buttresses flank a stepped 3-light window beneath louvred vesica. Centre part of gable raised as a parapet; carved apex finial. INTERIOR: west gallery; decorative queen-post trusses with Gothic Revival panels, arched braces with mouchettes and pendants. Originally built as the Congregational Church with schoolroom under. Listing NGR: SK2169268654.' (7)