Congregational Chapel - Turners Green
ACCESS TO THE CHAPEL BY APPOINTMENT ONLY - CANDIDATE LISTING
The Congregational Chapel was built for the Rev John Morton (1788-1871) as a place of worship for his Protestant congregation. The Berkshire Religious census records the chapel as dating back to 1814, but this may reflect an earlier building on or near the site which was previously used as a congregational chapel – the existing building definitely has a 1840 date plaque on the frontage.
John Morton was a well regarded local tenant farmer and preacher, who gained standing in Bucklebury by opposing the enclosure of Bucklebury Common, on which many local people depended. He succeeded in his battle with Parliament and the Common remains protected open space today. The chapel is familiarly known as Morton’s Chapel in his memory. His obituary in the Newbury Weekly News 16th November 1871 records that he was buried at the chapel, and local memory suggests that his and his wife’s graves lie just inside the front gate on the left hand side, although unmarked. There is also a memorial plaque to him in the chapel.
The chapel remained in use as a chapel for some time, and continued to be used until recently for Christmas services. It may still be consecrated as a chapel.
