Bedfield Unitarian Chapel, Bedfield, Suffolk

On September 7th, Oxford Archaeology East carried out a historical building survey at the Unitarian Chapel, Long Green, in Bedfield, Mid Suffolk. The site is owned by a private developer and is the subject of planning consent for demolition followed by the contradiction of a three bedroom residential property. This work was carried out in response to a brief issued by Suffolk County Councils Archaeological Service Consultation Team. The brief required that a historic building survey was carried out on the existing building to meet the requirements of English Heritages building survey at level 1.

Three main stages of development were identified during the survey; construction of the original chapel during the 19th century, followed by two extensions added onto the rear during the mid-late 20th century. Despite the buildings plain and unassuming exterior appearance, the original interior, clad with pine, survives along with a built in wooden seat (with carved scroll ends), that spans the width of the room. Original entrances along with built-in cupboard, hooks and shelves were also noted.

The chapel was founded by the Rev. Alfred Amey in 1895 and the record book of the chapels Sunday school dating from the early 20th century provides an insight into the role the chapel and Unitarian church played in the social and religious lives of the local residents.