Bridport United Church

The imposing building with school rooms opened in 1860 as the Independent Chapel, replacing the building in nearby Barrack Street which had become inadequate for the number of people wishing to attend.

The building was designed by Reading architects, Poulton and Woodman in the gothic style and constructed by Ward and Son of Bridport. External walls are faced in Powerstock rubble limestone with Bath stone dressings. The principal elevation has subtle contrasts between bands of finely dressed and rubble masonry. There are several small quirky openings. The stunning open timbered roof of six bays, inspired by Westminster Hall, is supported on hammerbeam trusses of timber and cast iron. The roof was strengthened in 1910 by the addition of truss tie rods and two rows of arched timber braces. The galleries are supported on cast iron rope twist columns.

The schoolroom is reminiscent of the town’s rope industry buildings. Within two years of opening it was extended by 80% and soon after a two storey block of five classrooms was built. In the 1970’s a new central entrance to the Worship Area was formed, providing a view of the interior from the street. The interior was altered to provide an entrance foyer and a full width platform at the opposite end. This involved shortening the side galleries, removing the original pulpit and reducing the number of pews. The extension to the schoolroom was subdivided to provide a small hall and toilet facilities.

The organ built by JW Walker dating from 1862 is situated in a central apse with a ribbed vaulted ceiling. The gothic case designed by the architect has twice been modified. The organ was expanded in 1910, 1929 and 2000.

The principal five light window is filled with plain and coloured glass. The 17th cent. pulpit referred to in the listing description, now resides in Bridport Museum.