WORK has started on the restoration and extension of a unique and historic building in Dorset to preserve it for future generations.
After more than six years of dedication from Tolpuddle Old Chapel Trust (TOCT) volunteers, work has begun to save the historic Tolpuddle Old Chapel - which is a rare surviving example of a vernacular non-conformist chapel.
With funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England, work to save this historically significant Grade II-listed building started at the beginning of November.
Stuart McLeod from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "We're delighted to support the TOCT in fulfilling its ambition to restore Tolpuddle Old Chapel and open it up to a wider range of people.
"This historically significant Grade II-listed building is going to be preserved for many more generations to enjoy while an exciting programme of activities as well as volunteering opportunities are going to drive engagement for the local community."
Chairman of the TOCT, Andrew McCarthy, said: "Now the work really begins and there will be a whole range of new opportunities for people to get involved.
"We’d love to hear from anyone interested in helping us to ensure that this important historic building achieves its full potential."
The major restoration project will remove the building from the Historic England At Risk register and save it as a community asset for future generations.
As well as the conservation work to the original Chapel, the project will create a new extension to support events and include a year round programme of activities and interpretation, a pilot schools programme and various volunteering opportunities
Ross Simmonds, spokesman from Historic England, said: "We have been working closely with the TOCT in recent years to better understand the conservation needs of the building, and have recently confirmed a grant of up to £160,000 to support necessary repairs to the fabric of the Old Chapel."
The building is of national and international importance. It was built by the Dorsetshire Labourers who in 1838 became known as Tolpuddle Martyrs.
In 1818, they built and used a little chapel for non-conformist worship, from then until 1834.
Under the guidance of the lay preacher, George Loveless, the chapel provided a space where the Dorsetshire Labourers were able to meet, exchange ideas and build their confidence to challenge the injustices of their harsh living and working conditions.
In 1833 they met up with the fledgling union of The Friendly Society of Agricultural Labourers and in 1834 they swore an oath and formed their own branch of the Union.
They were subsequently arrested, tried in the Shire Hall Courthouse in Dorchester, transported to Australia and Tasmania, pardoned and eventually five of the six moved to London Ontario in Canada to start a new life. These events played a huge role in the subsequent evolution of the Trade Union movement which of course is still celebrated today by the annual Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival.
For more information on the project please visit www.tolpuddleoldchapeltrust.org or email info@tolpuddleoldchapeltrust.org
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