Christ Church Unitarian Chapel, located on Dampiet Street in Bridgwater, has a rich history dating back to 1662. Its origins trace back to John Norman, the Vicar of Bridgwater, who was ejected from the parish church due to his refusal to conform to the Act of Uniformity. This led to the establishment of a non-conformist congregation. The initial meeting house faced significant challenges; in 1683, it was demolished by authorities, and its contents were burned. However, by 1688, a new chapel was founded on Dampiet Street, which later became Unitarian in 1815.
Throughout the 19th century, the chapel underwent various enhancements. Gas lighting and central heating were installed, and the aisles and dais were tiled. An organ, donated by Mayor William Browne in 1853, was initially placed in the gallery and later moved to its current position in 1936. The main windows were re-glazed between 1888 and 1900. Significant repairs and restorations occurred between 1986 and 1988, with further facade repairs in 2007. The schoolroom, built in 1874, was extended in 1910, with additional facilities added around 1950. A new kitchen was installed in 2011, and the adjacent lobby was recently refurbished.
The chapel also has connections to notable individuals. Joel Spiller, a prominent elder of the Unitarian Church in Bridgwater, was the first to be buried in the Dissenters’ section of the Wembdon Road Cemetery in 1853. Captain George Lewis Browne, who served aboard HMS “Victory” at the Battle of Trafalgar and escorted Admiral Nelson’s body back to England, was also associated with the chapel.
By Clement Edwards
c.1911
LINKS
Chartered Institute of Building Service Engineers
UK UNITARIAN TV history of the church: