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The Association for Suffolk Museums HomepageThe Association for Suffolk Museums

Independent charity for museums in Suffolk.

Preserving and promoting Suffolk's Heritage
  • About us
    • The Association for Suffolk Museums
      • Meet the Team
    • Suffolk Museums Leaflet
  • Projects
    • Culture Health & Wellbeing – Measuring Our Impact toolkit
    • Extra Time
    • Kickstart
    • Mixed Reality
    • Special Delivery
    • Projects Archive
  • Museums
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Historic building

Walpole Old Chapel

At first glance the building appears to be an attractive 16th century Suffolk farmhouse, in a peaceful agricultural setting. But a closer look reveals its story. A non-conformist meeting house was created from this domestic farm building in the middle of the 17th century, during a time of religious repression.

Home » Museums » Walpole Old Chapel

The congregation, which was originally formed in 1649, leased the farmhouse in 1689 and converted it shortly afterwards into an independent chapel.

A simple space, created by local people to meet their own worship needs. The Chapel has one of the finest meeting house interiors in England and vividly conveys the atmospheric setting of 17th and 18th century dissenting worship.

The historic chapel is one of the most threatened types of building in England. Many have been damaged by unsympathetic conversion or the removal of fittings. This building has been part of the village of Walpole for over 400 years and was a place of continuous worship for nearly 300 years.

The Chapel formally closed in 1970 and eventually came into the care of the Historic Chapels Trust in 1995. It is now cared for on a day-to-day basis by the Friends of Walpole Old Chapel, itself a Registered Charity, which will be taking over ownership early in 2026. Today this historic and unique Grade II* listed building continues to play an important role in the cultural, social and religious life of the local and wider community.

For additional information about admission, opening hours, access, facilities and learning opportunities, please visit the museum website.

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Contact details...

Walpole Old Chapel
Halesworth Road
Walpole
Halesworth
Suffolk
IP19 9AZ

T: 01986 784348

E: info@walpoleoldchapel.org

W: walpoleoldchapel.org

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Jayne Phoenix
Secretary
Association for Suffolk Museums
T: 01473 265008
E: museums@suffolk.gov.uk

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