Major restoration planned for 18th Century chapel

Work is required to the beam and masonry above the organ chamber at the former Wainsgate Baptist Chapel, a report says

A former chapel dating back to the 18th Century where the tomb of a famous Baptist preacher and author is located could undergo a major restoration as part of new plans.

Listed building consent for the work at Wainsgate Baptist Chapel, near Hebden Bridge, is being sought by the Historic Chapels Trust, with the aim of starting work in the autumn.

Though no longer a religious venue, the graveyard at the ex-chapel still includes the tomb of John Fawcett, a theologian, pastor and hymn writer from Bradford.

As part of the application, conservation architect Peter Rogan said the building was now a community resource that was the product of “two centuries of development and change”.

He added: “The only visual change envisaged to the building will be the introduction of traditional-style cast iron air bricks into the eaves of the building in order to ventilate roof spaces and reduce issues with rot in roof and ceiling structures.”

The venue had an active “friends” group, which managed artists’ spaces, undertook fundraising and organised events, he said in the application to Calderdale Council.

The chapel was founded in the 1750s but is no longer a religious venue, according to the Historic Chapels Trust

However, according to Mr Rogan, the chapel, founded in the 1750s, needed improvements to below-ground drainage, timber repairs to the decayed roof and flooring, temporary propping and investigative work to help inform further repairs and remedial work.

Structural work would include addressing issues with some floor beams, and the beam and masonry above the organ chamber, he said.

The Historic Chapels Trust, a secular charity dealing with non-Anglican churches no longer in use, said the repairs would be dictated by available funds, with further repairs potentially needing grant support.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the chapel and grounds are a designated special landscape area and within the green belt.

Dr Fawcett’s tomb, with vault and railings, is separately Grade II-listed.

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