3.5
Wildland
Under 1 hour
Time
Check
Cost
Historic
Feel
Why it's Wildland
3.5Built in 1800 as a Protestant Dissenters’ chapel, this Grade II-listed Upminster building has served several congregations and was restored for school worship and local heritage activity.
This is a compact heritage visit rather than a wild landscape: its appeal lies in the chapel’s long religious and community history, its listed street façade and the story of its rescue from dilapidation. Access is currently uncertain, so arrange or confirm a visit before setting out.
Historic
Find your way
Open mapSt Marys Lane, Upminster, RM14 2QR
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
A short, access-dependent heritage stop. Its value is in understanding the building’s successive religious uses and noticing the surviving street façade. Contact the school or Friends of Upminster Old Chapel first; the building may not currently be available for casual visits.
Things to do
Read the chapel’s architectural façade
If viewing from a permitted position, look for the rendered pedimented front, end pilasters, two blank windows with raised drip mouldings and Doric entrance porch.
10–20 minutes
Trace its changing congregations
Explore the documented sequence: built as a Protestant Dissenters’ chapel, used by the Congregational Church until 1912, then occupied by a Plymouth Brethren congregation until 1988.
15–30 minutes
Learn about the restoration
The school acquired the dilapidated chapel in 2005; renovation began in 2011 and the restored building officially opened in March 2013 for school worship, as a historical resource and for local community activity.
15–30 minutes
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Under 1 hour
A short chapel-history stop
- 01
Confirm in advance that a visit or event is taking place and that visitors are welcome.
- 02
From an authorised viewing point, take in the chapel’s street-facing façade.
- 03
Read about its changing congregations and restoration using the school’s history page.
Verified history
Historic England records the chapel as first built in 1800 and re-fronted in 1847; it was listed at Grade II on 14 September 1979. The school’s history says it was built for Protestant Dissenters and used by the Congregational Church until 1912, when that congregation moved to larger premises. A Plymouth Brethren congregation then used the building until 1988. Sacred Heart of Mary Girls’ School acquired it in 2005 when it was dilapidated and on the Heritage at Risk Register. Renovation started in 2011, and it officially reopened in March 2013 as a school chapel, historical resource and venue for local community activity. The school’s page also reports that building movement is currently being monitored while remedial works are planned.
Hidden details
A façade shaped by its 1847 re-fronting — Historic England dates the street façade’s re-fronting to 1847. Its listed description identifies the pediment, end pilasters, blank windows with raised drip mouldings and Doric porch.
A chapel connected to Upminster Windmill’s benefactor — The school’s account links the chapel and Upminster Windmill through James Nokes, who funded both and belonged to the chapel congregation.
When to go
· Arrange a visit or attend an advertised event; no specific time of day is established as best.
The appeal is architectural and historical rather than seasonal. Current access and the building’s condition matter more than the time of year.
Check before visiting; no weather-dependent visitor information is provided.
What to look for
From a permitted public viewpoint, notice the rendered, pedimented street façade, end pilasters, the two blank windows with raised drip mouldings and the Doric entrance porch. Do not enter the site or building without permission.
The story
Religious history; local heritage
Best time to go
Any season, subject to confirmed access or an advertised event.
Plan around a confirmed open day, event or arranged visit. The school’s page reports that Friends’ meetings are being held at Roope Hall while movement in the chapel is monitored and remedial works are planned.
How long to spend
Under 1 hour
Perfect for
History lovers
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
The chapel is associated with Sacred Heart of Mary Girls’ School. The school’s page says the building’s movement is being monitored and remedial works are being planned; Friends’ meetings are currently held elsewhere. Check with the school or the Friends before visiting. Do not assume the building or grounds are open to casual visitors. Access arrangements are unconfirmed. Check before visiting; do not enter private land or restricted structures.
Check before visiting
Parking
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The source listing reports a wheelchair-accessible entrance and car park, but the current condition and visitor access should be confirmed with the school before travel.
Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around The Old Chapel Upminster
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
