This is how your name and profile photo will appear on Panoramio if you connect this Google+ account.
You cannot switch to a different account later.
Learn more.
In 1662 the Parliament of King Charles II revised the English Prayer Book and required ministers to use fixed forms of service and consent to the new Book of Common Prayer. Some 2000 ministers felt obliged to leave the Established Church and many more were ejected from their livings because they would not accept this new ruling on belief and worship.
In this same year the Five Mile Act was also passed by Parliament, and that required all ministers to take an oath that they would not at any time seek to alter the government of the church. Those who refused to do so were not allowed to come within five miles of any town or borough.
The Quakers built Monks Chapel in 1662 outside the five mile radius of the Borough Town, Chippenham, to conform to the Act. In 1689 the Act of Toleration was passed and in 1690 the Independents came to own Monks, and to this day the United Reformed Church still own and cherish it. In the early days, people gathering for worship spent the day at Monks, bringing their mid-day meal and heating it at the fireplace which served also to warm the chapel. This fireplace has now been closed in but the chimney can still be seen. From the high pulpit the preacher had a good view of the surrounding countryside and he could make his way to safety if the chapel was raided by troublemakers.
Regular Sunday worship has continued through the years.
See http://www.mid-wiltsunitedchurches.org.uk/monks.htm
Comments (4)
In 1662 the Parliament of King Charles II revised the English Prayer Book and required ministers to use fixed forms of service and consent to the new Book of Common Prayer. Some 2000 ministers felt obliged to leave the Established Church and many more were ejected from their livings because they would not accept this new ruling on belief and worship.
In this same year the Five Mile Act was also passed by Parliament, and that required all ministers to take an oath that they would not at any time seek to alter the government of the church. Those who refused to do so were not allowed to come within five miles of any town or borough.
The Quakers built Monks Chapel in 1662 outside the five mile radius of the Borough Town, Chippenham, to conform to the Act. In 1689 the Act of Toleration was passed and in 1690 the Independents came to own Monks, and to this day the United Reformed Church still own and cherish it. In the early days, people gathering for worship spent the day at Monks, bringing their mid-day meal and heating it at the fireplace which served also to warm the chapel. This fireplace has now been closed in but the chimney can still be seen. From the high pulpit the preacher had a good view of the surrounding countryside and he could make his way to safety if the chapel was raided by troublemakers.
Regular Sunday worship has continued through the years.
See http://www.mid-wiltsunitedchurches.org.uk/monks.htm
Thanks for the history - fascinating!
we will definately visit
For some pictures of the interior, have a look at http://www.mid-wiltsunitedchurches.org.uk/monks_chapel_picture_gallery.htm
The current address for pictures of the interior of the Monks Chapel is www.wiltsunitedchurches.org.uk/monks_pictures.htm