The Old Baptist Chapel and Court

The Old Baptist Chapel is another gem in Tewkesbury’s crown. The chapel, situated on Church Street, started life in the 15th century as a three bay hall house and was later adapted for worship. It is one of the oldest Baptist churches in Britain. The Baptist movement was started by two English men, John Smyth and Thomas Helwys, in Holland in 1609. Thomas Helwys returned to England and founded the first Baptist church in the country around 1611 or 1612 at Spitalfield, near London.

Opening Times: Viewings of the Old Baptist Chapel are arranged through the John Moore Museum, Church Street, Tewkesbury. One of the museum’s expert staff will give you a tour of the Chapel explaining both the history and architecture of the building. A tour will normally last between 30 and 45 minutes (please let staff know if you are limited with time and they will adjust the timings).