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Umberslade Baptist Church, Tanworth-in-Arden,
Warwickshire Listed Grade II*
The
church, which dates from 1877, is now the last survivor of the grand chapels
associated with the rise of Birmingham Nonconformity. As a Nonconformist
"estate" chapel it is also highly unusual.
Umberslade Baptist Church was built by George Frederick Muntz, a Baptist
convert, in Umberslade Park, his country seat 10 miles south-east of the
city. The building is the last extant major chapel of the Birmingham architect,
George Ingall (1868-1910).
Ingall took his inspiration form the mediaeval Decorated style lavishly
enriching the church with pinnacles, finials, buttressing and parapeting.
Inside, the timber furnishings are largely intact and include a large
Gothic central pulpit with an open baptistry in front, benches with ornate
standards and an organ in the south transept. The lavish stained glass
is formed into striking geometric patterns. The floors are laid in coloured
encaustic tiles. There is a clock and carillon in the tower.
A first phase of repairs costing around £500,000 has been organised.
Work started in February 2007 and were completed in March 2008. The repairs
include replacing the slates on the roof, repairing roof timbers and various
stonework repairs to the church and tower.
The local
committee are working up proposals for a limited series of Open Days in
2008. The chapel will be open on Heritage Open Day Weekend in the afternoon–
see News Update.
For access please ring 01564 783362. A guide , written by Christopher
Stell with Jane Fawcett, is available from HCT office.
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