The chapel at Compton Verney was designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown and built between 1776-80 as part of the re-landscaping of the site.  It is one of the few surviving Georgian chapels in Britain and the very few remaining architectural works by ‘Capability’ Brown.

This chapel was built to replace the old chapel between the house and the lake (where an obelisk still stands) which 'Capability' Brown demolished in 1772. Some of the tombs of earlier Verneys were moved to the new chapel, which was used in the past by the family who owned the estate. It has been completely out of use since 1989 and subsequently, fell into disrepair.

In May 2011, urgently required ‘Phase I’ work began to safeguard the building for future generations and re-open it to the public. These emergency repairs, including work to the roof and gutters, bell tower, walls, plasterwork and the installation of temporary replacement windows were completed in January 2012.  These improvement were made possible thanks to generous support from the Country Houses Foundation, The Pilgrim Trust, The Leche Trust and The Cleary Fund.

If you want to see the progress to date sign up for one of our grounds tours in 2012.

After completion of this first phase of work, we will need to undertake a 'Phase II' of restoration which will include reinstatement of the stained glass windows (the single biggest expense), re-plastering the ceiling, re-decoration and the installation of lighting and heating.  If you would like to make a donation of any amount towards this second phase of work, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Or Contact us if you would like to support this project.