Salem Chapel, East Budleigh, Devon
Listed Grade II*

A Presbyterian Chapel which later housed a Congregational meeting, Salem dates from 1719.

Salem stands on the fringes of this South Devon village, partly hidden behind a wall with square gate piers and a wrought-iron overthrow. Within its grounds are also a schoolroom and tiny graveyard.

The building is square with a four-hipped roof. The walls are of mixed cob and stone construction, rendered over and secured on stone footings. Facing the road on the south-east side are two panelled doors set in low segmental-headed arches. These replace former windows. Higher up is a datestone "Salem chapel, built 1719" and a sill inscribed "enlarged 1836" when the seating capacity was augmented. Each side wall contains two tall segmental-headed windows. The two tall round-headed windows at the rear date from 1836.

The repair of the chapel, costing approximately £650,000, started in October 2004 and was completed in May 2006. The repairs were undertaken by contractors, Ellis & Co, the architect was Paul Richold, of Architecton, based in Bristol, see news page. The roof structure is of great archeological interest and was the subject of a specialist report.

During the current repair scheme evidence of the former design of the front windows became evident beneath the loose lime render, including their Beer stone surrounds. This is the subject of a consultant's report.

Inside, the gallery across the front end dates from 1719. Others were added in 1836 and are supported on slender cast-iron columns with moulded caps. The moulded and bracketed cornice is original. In the centre the vaulted ceiling rose from an iron post which probably replaced an original timber one. This has now given way to a stronger steel column. When the cast-iron post was removed a purse containing coins and other items was found. This is being examinied at Exeter Museum. Some earlier box pews remain in the galleries. The 18th century clock is in safekeeping.

A guidebook will be published in Summer 2008. Please contact the office for further details.

Please see news page for events at Salem chapel, and click here for information on bookings.

Keyholders: 01395 445236/445648/446189

St George's German Lutheran Church,
55 Alie Street, London E1 8EB
Tel: 020 7481 0533 Fax: 020 7488 3756
email: chapels@hct.org.uk

Registered Charity Number: 1017321

Company Number: 2778395.
Registered Charity Number: 1017321