Building record 2853/0/122 - Laws Chapel, Laws Lane

An 18th and early 19th century house that was converted to a chapel and then used as a workshop during the 20th century. This was the home of the non-juror, Dr William Law, (1686-1761), although its use as a non-juring congregation is questionable, since he was forbidden to preach. It is located on the southern side of Bridge Street with its western elevation to Laws Lane. The building is constructed of squared coursed limestone, ashlar and brick with a double pitch Collyweston slate roof. The main façade has a central bay that breaks forward with a blocked arch-headed door that is flanked by further blocked arch-headed openings. The elevation to Laws Lane has a three window range of sash and casement windows and a gabled dormer to the left.

{1} House, converted to chapel, now outbuilding. C18 and early C19. Squared coursed limestone and brick, with ashlar façade and Collyweston slate roof. Originally single-unit plan. 2 storeys. Main front of 3 bays. Centre bay breaks forward slightly and has arch-head doorway, now blocked. Flanking arch head windows, also blocked. First floor centre square-head window now also blocked. Plinth and raised band between floors. Pediment over centre bay and moulded stone cornice, with upstand, over flanking bays. Hipped roof. Elevation, to left, is a 3-window range of C19 sash and casement windows under wood lintels. Door with one fielded panel, to right, and C20 plank door to left, both under wood lintels. Eaves dormer with leaded casement to left. Ashlar gable parapet between centre and left bays and stone stack at ridge. Bay to left is part brick, of a different build. Linked to No.4 Bridge Street (q.v.). Interior not inspected but noted as having fireplace with bolection moulded surround an C18 staircase. (RCHM: An Inventory of Architectural Monuments in North Northamptonshire: p96).

{5} Situated 50yds north of Hall Farm, home of the notable non-juror Dr William Law. Known as 'Dr Law's Chapel' although its use as a meeting-house for a non-juring congregation is open to question. A line of glass-houses contemporary with the ashlar walling formerly adjoined on the south-east side.

{6} Undated photo;

<1> List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, p.65 (unchecked) (Catalogue). SNN40683.

<2> Clews Architects, 1980s, Database for Listing of Historic Buildings of Special Architectural Interest: Northamptonshire, 12/124 (Digital archive). SNN102353.

<3> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1984, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p. 96 & Fig 120 (Series). SNN77384.

<4> Waszak P., 2000, King's Cliffe: The Catholic Connection, p.49-58 (unchecked) (Article). SNN102515.

<5> The Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England, 1986, Nonconformist Chapels and Meeting-Houses: Northamptonshire & Oxfordshire, p. 142 (Report). SNN2902.

<6> Photographs of buildings in King's Cliffe (Photographs). SNN112705.

<7> Historic England, Undated, 4 BRIDGE STREET, KINGS CLIFFE, BF084125 (Archive). SNN114375.

Record last edited

Dec 6 2022 12:17PM