History of Our Chapel

We often get requests for information concerning those who have been buried in our memorial grounds. We hold records for these and they have recently been digitalised. We are very grateful to Christine van den Bout for undertaking this momentous task and the results of her work can be found here. Do get in touch if you would like to visit. We have a map of the gardens and are usually successful in locating memorial stones.

A History of Non-Conformity

The cottage-like building was founded in 1754 by two General Baptists, William Turner and William Evershed. Its original name was Billingshurst General Baptist Chapel, but the congregation moved towards Unitarian beliefs in the 19th century, and still maintain these. It is a member of General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches, the umbrella body for British Unitarians.

The chapel, also known as the Billingshurst Unitarian and Free Christian Church, is one of the oldest Nonconformist places of worship in the district of Horsham – an area in which such Christian beliefs have a long and successful history; furthermore, there are few older chapels of this type anywhere in southeast England. English Heritage has listed the chapel at Grade II for its architectural and historical importance. For more information on the history of the chapel visit here

Photo Gallery

Click on an image to view at a larger size.

1988/1989 Renovation

The set below show the changes made in 1988/89. Using funds from the sale of land which now makes up ‘Lakers Meadow,’ the chapel had an extension that included toilets and kitchen.