St Benet's Chapel, Netherton, Merseyside
Listed Grade II*

St Benet's Chapel was opened in 1793 and is thus a rare, important example of an early post-Reformation Catholic church. Although the chapel was erected after the Catholic Relief Acts of 1778 and 1791 when Catholics were allowed to worship openly, a measure of concealment was still considered wise and from the road only the presbytery (priest's house) is visible. The chapel and presbytery form an integrated building constructed of brick using Flemish bond for the frontage and cheaper 'Liverpool' bond on the side walls.

Some of the interior furnishings have been removed but important items survive including the gallery, the early l9th-century altar and a "pilastered and pedimented altarpiece which has winged cherub heads, a gloria of rays and Adamesque urns and garlands of the type that many churches of the Establishment could boast before the zealous efforts of 'ecclesiological' restorers" (Bryan Little).

HCT aims to repair the chapel and presbytery, to restore missing furnishings using the evidence of old photographs and to reinstate stored items. The chapel will be presented so that the liturgical arrangements which predate the Second Vatican Council of 1962 and survived until the 1970s, can be fully appreciated.

The repair of the exterior has been completed. The Liverpool RC Archdiocese undertook the repair of the interior of the presbytery in 2004 and it is providing a residence for two retired priests. Plans are being drawn up for the repair of the interior of the chapel.

Access is available on application to the keyholder on 0151 520 2600.

St George's German Lutheran Church,
55 Alie Street, London E1 8EB
Tel: 020 7481 0533 Fax: 020 7488 3756
email: chapels@hct.org.uk

Company Number: 2778395.
Registered Charity Number: 1017321