The South Chapel
On April 14th 1855, agreement was reached to purchase three acres of high, dry gravel ground on the road from Soham to Fordham.
For a short period between 1840 and 1870, it was fashionable to create what were termed ‘dissimilar pairs’, even though only twenty were ever built. As the free churches, Baptist, Methodist and Congregational, became more popular, it was decided to provide a separate building for their use. Consequently, the chapels were constructed to be similar, but on closer examination they would have subtle variations, mainly in decorative design elements.
The South Chapel remains in the ownership of Soham Town Council whilst the North is now under a Trusteeship. Both are listed buildings.
Soham Town Council recently agreed whole heartedly to the repair of this often used, highly regarded and notable building of nearly 168 years of age, opposite its ‘pair’.
A top to toe renovation was recently completed by The CEL Group (1989) Ltd to bring the South Chapel back into use for the community. Internal decoration of the building will be carried out in 2024.