Wednesday 31 July 2019

United Reformed Church, Charmouth, Dorset




Originally the Congregational Chapel, this building dates back to the 17th century and was built along with other post-Mediaeval additions, such as the Almshouses adjacent to the Court. One of the more unusual buildings along The Street in Charmouth, it lies back from the road in its own small courtyard, as do only a few others. Most of the buildings front directly onto the road or have only tiny front gardens.


The roof supports a delightful cupola and has the proportions of the 'Gentle Period' which characterises later Regency buildings, with a central front door and flanking windows; the archetypal house that young children often draw, whatever their own homes look like. The front gate contains trefoil finials with spear finials on the railings either side.


At the front, a small tree-shaded churchyard with a few old graves and headstones. 


Another, tiny, courtyard on the right hand side.



 And on the left side, the entrance to the rear.


The rear of the building shows plain brickwork, the old red bricks glowing orange in the afternoon sun. Quite a contrast to the cool white plaster and the elegant tracery windows with leaded panes at the front.


Not much information and only a few photos, but a rather nice and unexpected find whilst having a meander around Charmouth. :)





 

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