Looking Back to Look Forward: The Old Meeting House Unitarian Chapel, Mansfield
Old Meeting House Unitarian Chapel, 1 Old Meeting House Yard, Off Stockwell Gate or Walkden Street, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, NG18 1QR
Featured on the HODs 30 Year Anniversary Gallery, this Meeting House built in 1702, is the oldest nonconformist place of worship still in existence in Nottinghamshire. Marvel at the Victorian interior featuring spectacular stained glass windows, three by the William Morris Co as well as fascinating memorials to noteworthy people like William Hollins, the founder of Viyella Textiles and John Harrop-White, Town Clerk and Freeman of the town.
Through the theme 'Looking Back to Look Forward ', hear about the various groups of people who followed differing routes to settle in Mansfield over the years, like the dissenting clergy ejected from their ministries in the 1660s and migrants from Eastern and Central Europe who helped found communities after WWII which enriched and diversified the networks and make-up of the town. Discover how in turn, links and connections were made to offer the hand of friendship across the Atlantic Ocean and how assistance in times of need was given to Europe.
Find out more about our Grade II* listed War Memorial and the moving stories of the men from WWI and II who are remembered on it. What history lies behind many of the street names and take a self-guided tour around this interesting town to discover how many of the heritage buildings have an association with the Chapel. Enjoy a warm welcome and refreshments in this " Hidden Gem" of a place tucked away in its peaceful garden in the very centre of town.
There will be talks and an exhibition available.
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 14 September:
- Open, Exhibition & Films: 1000-1530. David Burton Opening Talk: 1030. Liam Skillen Central and Eastern Europe Talk: 1050 Sister Cities of Mansfield talk: 1330
- Sunday 15 September:
- Exhibitions open 1000-1100. Morning Service in Chapel with coffee and tea afterwards: 1100. Exhibitions close at 14.00.
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 not required
Accessibility details
Very limited parking in the grounds because in use for refreshments and children's activities. For pedestrians there are several entrances to the grounds around the Old Meeting House Unitarian Chapel. A pedestrian entrance is up Old Meeting House Yard from Stockwell Gate by the B and M Store at the side of the Old Parsonage (private). Pedestrian and Drop-Off access only after turning right from Walkden Street just after entrance to temporarily closed Multi-Storey Carpark . Ramp slope and steps from Four Seasons Shopping Precinct.
Additional information
We are participating in Ride and Stride on September 14th, all are welcome. Exhibitions on; - the origin of Flower Communion and Support given to Hungary and Ukraine - the Local Street names connected to the OMH congregation. - Exhibitions on early history of the OMH. - War Memorial Names for WWI and WWII with film of visits to the graves. Film on the history of Mansfield Mass USA. Coffee and look around the Exhibitions. A fantastic Goulash lunch will also be provided at 1200 for those who wish to join.
