Rook Lane Chapel

Rook Lane Chapel stands in the Somerset town of Frome. Built in 1707 by James Pope, it was once a nonconformist place of worship. By 1717 the congregation numbered a thousand. A split in 1773 led to the founding of Zion Chapel in Whittox Lane. As newer chapels opened, attendance fell and the building closed in 1968. Vandals later damaged the interior and stole lead from the roof. The chapel is a square brick building with two pillars supporting the roof and a gallery on three sides. It has two tiers of seven windows and a central pediment covering five windows. Side lobbies added in 1862 provide stairs to the gallery. Above the main door is an inscription from Ecclesiastes: “Keep thy foot when thou goest to the House of God.” The domed roof remains intact and the chapel was locally known as “The Cupola.” The Somerset Buildings Preservation Trust restored the Grade I listed building with help from English Heritage. It is now a community arts centre for exhibitions, concerts and meetings. The galleried upper floor houses offices for the architects who own the building. Weddings are also held here.