History revealed for 'forgotten building'

The small red brick and white terracotta former chapel in Lord Roberts Road, which is dwarfed by the imposing new magistrates' court, is 100 years old today.

To celebrate the milestone, staff at East Riding Council's archives and local studies service – which used to be based there – have collected photographs from its official opening on July 7, 1910, a ceremony that was attended by scores of Beverlonians.

They have also unearthed documents relating to its various uses, which are available for viewing at the service's new base at Treasure House in Champney Road.

Collections officer Sam Bartle said the former chapel, now a Grade II listed building, held happy memories for many of his colleagues. "It's one of the unsung historic buildings of this town. We have a number of photographs from the opening ceremony, as well as some interesting floor plans showing how the building was used."

Designed by West Riding architect GF Pennington, the building was a gift from Admiral Charles Walker to the Particular Baptists of Beverley. It was constructed in 1910 as a replacement for the Well Lane Baptist Chapel and also housed a Sunday school.

The chapel seated about 400 people and remained a place of Baptist worship for 54 years until its closure in 1964, when the congregation moved to the Friends' meeting house in Woodlands. The old chapel was sold the following year.

It was occupied by the council's archives service from 2000 until the Treasure House opened in January 2007.

To study the documents or photographs visit the Treasure House or call 01482 392794.