TALKS are to be held to try and save a run down chapel built exactly 150 years ago by a renowned architect.

Clearwell Parochial Church Council no longer has the means to maintain the village’s cemetery chapel, designed by Gothic Revival architect John Middleton.

And they are calling on anyone interested in preserving the building to get in touch so it can hold a meeting to try and save the building.

Concern for public safety has seen it fenced off for several years as the entrance door is in danger of collapse from the weight of the damaged rose window above it, caused by a large tree growing next to the chapel door.

Interim minister, Rev Alan Wearmouth, said the tree had recently been cut down in the hope that it would prevent further movement to the west wall, but it would take some time to know to what degree the wall had stabilised.

Rev Wearmouth said: “Our aim is to preserve this historical building for which our parish has no use and which we cannot afford to repair and maintain. It would be a sad loss if it was to fall into total disrepair.”

Graves beside the chapel include the burial plot of Clearwell Victoria Cross winner Francis Miles, who single-handedly took out two enemy machine gun posts in 1918 and lived in the village until 1961. 

Cemetery chapel architect John Middleton was engaged by the Dowager Countess Caroline Dunraven, whose family owned the estate at Clearwell until the late 19th century.

Her ancestor bought the estate in 1642 and Thomas Wyndham built Clearwell Court in 1727. The Countess engaged Middleton on the remodelling of Clearwell Court, and used his services in the design for the building of St Peter’s Church in 1866.

Middleton was also responsible for designing the frontal of St Anne’s well, repairing the 14th Century cross and designing the Cottage Hospital which is now Dunraven House.

The architect’s imprint on Clearwell has even seen it referred to as ‘John Middleton Village’ as it has the largest collection of his work in one place in the UK, added Rev Wearmouth.

“This is a remarkable accolade for Clearwell and offers an opportunity for the future enhancement of its architectural heritage in the form of a heritage trail.

“The parochial church council wishes to meet with those interested in finding a future for the chapel which is open to a range of possible re-uses.”

It wants to ensure that local family associations are respected, as for example, in caring for various plaques contained within the building.

The church council would also like to hear from anyone with the skills and equipment to remove diseased trees and those growing too close to the chapel.

Anyone who would like to help save the chapel is asked to contact parish co-ordinator Alison Stuttard on 01594 368849.