Architecture - Heritage - Art & More - At The Old Meeting House Unitarian Chapel
Old Meeting House Unitarian Chapel, 1 Old Meeting House Yard, Off Stockwell Gate or Walkden Street, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, NG18 1QR
Voted to be part of the 30 Year HOD Anniversary Gallery last year, this II* listed Meeting House is the oldest nonconformist place of worship still in existence in Nottinghamshire. Marvel at the wealth of architectural features with additions during Victorian times using wood from a local windmill to provide a stunning interior with spectacular stained glass windows, three by the William Morris Co as well as fascinating memorials commemorating those early dissenting ministers as well as others like William Hollins, owner of Viyella Mills and John Harrop-White, Town Clerk and Mayor. You can also admire our Grade II* listed War Memorial designed by important local artist A. S. Buxton.
Saturday 13th
Join us as we partake in Ride and Stride, where people are encouraged to visit churches by various modes of transport (walking, cycling, horse-riding, etc.) to raise money to support their upkeep.
Saturday 20th
We are hosting a programme of talks, displays and activities including;
- Chapel & Schoolrooms open to view
- Special guided walk through The 1656 Parsonage
- Opening by Alan Barham of The Old Mansfield Society
- Heritage Talk 'Mansfield's Architecture Past and Present' by local expert Denis Hill
- Concert of Eighteenth Century Music by Harry and his Musicians from Belper
- Plein Drawings with artist Ann Stanford
- 18th Century dances (and lessons)
- Self-guided trails available
- Quiz
- Exhibitions on: The Chapel, its Architecture and its Refurbishment during Victorian times | The Stained Glass Windows including three by William Morris Company from Burne-Jones designs | Local artist AS Buxton and the War Memorial he designed | Old Mansfield Society.
Sunday 21st
- Chapel and Schoolrooms open to view
- Chapel and Displays from 1000-1400
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 13 September:
- Chapel open for NHCT Ride and Stride and other visitors: 1000-1400.
- Saturday 20 September:
- Guided visit to Parsonage: 0945 & 1000. Open: 1000-1600. Opening event 1045. Architecture talk: 1045. Lunch 1200-1300. 18th Century Concert: 1215-1300. Plein Drawings: 1400. 18th Century Dancing: 1430
- Sunday 21 September:
- Open: 1000-1100. Lunch: 1200-1400. Chapel and Displays open: 1200-1400.
Location & directions
Old Meeting House Unitarian Chapel, 1 Old Meeting House Yard, Off Stockwell Gate or Walkden Street, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, NG18 1QR
- Directions:
- The Old Meeting House Chapel is situated between Stockwell Gate and Walkden St with pedestrian access from both roads. Public transport hub for buses is in Queen St only a short walk down to the Stockwell Gate access and the Railway Station is situated close to the bus terminal with a skywalk and lift access. The Four Seasons shopping precinct is to the rear of the Chapel with both steps and a slope for access. Very limited car parking in the Chapel grounds. Although the Walkden St car park is temporally closed, there are three public car parks nearby.
- Contact on day:
- Rev Maria Pap
- Telephone number:
- +447486062320
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking preferred
- Booking conditions:
- A special guided walk through The 1656 Parsonage will be available. Because of the age of the building and the numerous stairs inside, the number of participants will be limited to eight and this visit will be unsuitable for anyone with mobility issues. If interested, later tours in the afternoon may be arranged so please ask for details.
- Booking contact name:
- Viv Brown
- Booking email:
- [email protected]
- Booking opens:
- 19 Sep 2025 12:00 PM
Accessibility details
Very limited parking in the grounds because in use for refreshments, children's games and art/dance activities on the lawn. Nearby carparks available. For pedestrians - there are several entrances to the grounds around the OMH:- * from Stockwell Gate at the side of the Old Parsonage through the gate by B and M Store; * up the steps or slope from the Four Seasons Shops; * turn right on OMH access road from Walkden St to closed Multi-Storey Carpark for drop off point. Do not drive past the bollards in the grounds.
Additional information
Always looking outwards into the wider community, come and hear how the Chapel congregation has played a prominent role in the social life of our town throughout its history. Hidden away in peaceful grounds in the centre of Mansfield, do come inside the Chapel's plain stone exterior built originally behind the 1656 Porter House, now called The Parsonage - open for short tours, the first time in many years. A service will take place Sunday 20th 1100-1200 in Chapel all welcome. There will also be plenty of breaks throughout the day on Saturday 20th to enjoy refreshments (1145-1215 and 1500-1550). There will also be a picnic on Saturday 1300-1400 and Sunday 1200-1400. Please bring your own food, drinks provided.
- Max no of people per tour:
- 8
- Est. tour duration:
- 0 hour(s) 10 minute(s)
