St. Andrew’s Chapel, Hyde Heath

St. Andrew’s Chapel Weedon Hill Hyde Heath Amersham Buckinghamshire HP6 5RW

Building

Roofed and walled permanent structures.

Asset type

Anglican Chapel.

Age

Early C20th.

Rarity

Nice example of modestly size Village Chapel.

Architectural and Artistic Interest

Attractive early C20th design, most probably by architects Kemp & How - very much in their style, such as an attribution should be considered. Entrance through original enclosed porch, retaining pair of oak doors with original cast iron strapwork hinges. Structure of timber, with artisan brick infill, under a pitched & part hipped roof of plain clay tiles. Style in keeping with that of ‘Arts & Crafts’ Movement. Principal part of Chapel constructed of clay bricks, in Flemish Bond. Lower courses project slightly. Pair of windows adjacent to entrance, one to either side of porch. Stained glass, which is a modern replacement of the original glazing. Nice tile detailing over & use of string-course of tiles & bricks to form sill. Similar detailing can be seen on the Church Rooms in Chesham, as well as other high quality buildings either known or thought to be by Kemp & How. Wide, but not particularly high window over porch with same detailing. Perhaps serves a gallery? Original leaded-light window remains. Part-hipped gable end, is main feature of facade. Single-storey projection, from rear part of building, to left-hand side with window & door of comparable style - seemingly original. Window of more typical proportions, with brick/tile sill as before, door of oak with leaded-glass panel. Little bell & canopy to roof/ridge line is a modern addition.

Group Value

Fronts onto the Common, which is the main ‘focal point’, of the Village & as such is part of a grouping of the various old buildings (predominantly cottages) around the edge on side that are accessed across the Common. Of particular note, is No. 7 which is The Green, as this is the only one with a Statutory Listing, at Grade II. Heath Cottage has been nominated & is currently ‘Candidate (ready)’.

Historic Interest

As part of the Village’s religious history. There is still a Victorian Baptist Church, although the Methodist Chapel is now converted to a dwelling.

Landmark Status

Small, but serves community, clearly visible within locality, due to openness of grass/ common-land to front.

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15 Nov 2023