Summary
A former Baptist chapel, built in around 1815 and altered about 1879. Various C20 alterations; converted into an outreach centre in around 2020.
Reasons for Designation
The former Baptist church which dates from around 1815 is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons: Architectural interest: * as a good example of an early-C19 Baptist church, with a well-executed and harmonious design to its Hill Street elevation;
* the building contributes to the surrounding streetscape and possesses an understated dignity which reflects its original purpose;
* despite being no longer in ecclesiastical use, it retains fixtures and fittings such as stained glass, wall monuments, organ case front and the late-C19 tiered gallery.
History
The present building replaced an earlier chapel of 1735, which is marked by a plaque. It was converted to an outreach centre in about 2020. The organ, removed with the exception of the front of its case in 2020, dated from 1839 and was made by TJ Duncan of London and is said to have come from St Paul's Church, Poole.
Details
A former Baptist chapel, built in around 1815 and altered about 1879. Various C20 alterations; converted into an outreach centre in around 2020. MATERIALS: it is constructed from brick with terracotta dressings and a concrete tiled pitched roof. PLAN: rectangular plan. EXTERIOR: the building has two storeys, with pedimented gable ends to the north-west and south-east elevations. The entrance front (south-east) has slightly-recessed corners, with a late-C19 terracotta moulded pediment containing an oculus dated 1815, over a triple round-arched window with architrave, keys and imposts. The late-C19 porch has a similar moulded pediment supported by pilasters; a mid-C20 door surround with architrave and a two-leaf, eight-panel door. The original three-door entrance has been blocked, and the central doorway is obscured by the porch. INTERIOR: the south gallery was rebuilt when the organ recess and vestries at west end were built in around 1879. The interior was refitted and the pews removed during the conversion to an outreach centre.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
412512
Legacy System:
LBS
Sources
Books and journals An Inventory for the Historical Monuments in the County of Dorset: Volume II South-East Part 1, (1970), 199 Stell, C, An Inventory of Nonconformist Chapels and Meeting Houses in South West England, (1991), 123Other Morgan, K, April 2020, Baptist Church, Hill Street, Poole. Proposed alterations to form a resource centre for homeless people. Heritage Statement Incl Design + Access Statement
Legal
This building is listed under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as amended for its special architectural or historic interest.
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