St Benet's Chapel, Netherton

The chapel and associated presbytery were built in 1793, replacing a cottage and barn that had been used by Benedictine priests. It was built soon after the Catholic Relief Acts of 1778 and 1791 that allowed Roman Catholics to worship openly. Despite this, only the presbytery was visible from the road, with the chapel concealed behind it. The chapel was made redundant in 1975 and leased by the Historic Chapels Trust who restored the structure which was in very poor repair. The presbytery was restored in 2004 and is used as a residence for retired priests. The intention was to restore the chapel to present it as it was before the Second Vatican Council.

The presbytery faces the road and the chapel stretches at right angles from its rear. Both buildings are constructed in brick with stone dressings; the presbytery has a slate roof and the chapel has stone slate roof. The chapel is in two bays with round-headed sash windows. On its west gable is a bellcote surmounted by a cross. The entrance is at the west end of the north side and consists of paired doors over which is a blind tympanum. Internally, some of the fittings have been removed, and those remaining are considered to be important. At the west end is a gallery with a stick balustrade, and a dog-leg staircase on its north side. Around the chapel is a panelled dado and a cornice. The…