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, becoming one of the first chapels to be purchased by the London-based Historic Chapels Trust in 1994. A group of local people set up an informal committee known as The Friends of Walpole Old Chapel to look after the building. In 2022, they were recognised by the Charity Commission as a legitimate Charitable Incorporated Organisation [registration no: 1198020]. In spring 2026, HCT is signing over ownership of the Chapel to the Friends of Walpole Old Chapel who will take on responsibilities to conserve the fabric of this special building and to strengthen ties with the wider community. Today this beautiful Grade II* listed building continues to play an important role in the religious, social and cultural life of the community.
