A Victorian Tin Chapel
Henton Mission Room, affectionately known as the 'little tin chapel,' is a prefabricated church crafted from wood and clad in iron. Nestled in the quaint hamlet of Henton within the parish of Chinnor, Oxfordshire, this unique structure carries the charm of a bygone era. Explore the historical significance and architectural distinctiveness of Henton Mission Room, a cherished piece of local heritage.
Construction and History of the Henton Mission Room
The Mission Room, a remarkable structure, came into existence in 1886 on land leased to the Rector and Church wardens of Chinnor, Oxfordshire, by Magdalen College, Oxford. The college granted the land with the specific purpose of erecting a mission room, a noble venture documented in the Tenancy Agreement of 1886, all for the modest annual rent of one shilling.
Crafted with prefabricated timber-framed sections bolted together and adorned with an external cladding of corrugated iron, the building was supplied by the esteemed Boulton and Paul of Norwich. While the exact details of the structure were not found in contemporary catalogues, the delivery labels discovered during the dismantling process revealed invaluable insights into its origins.
The Story Behind the “Tin Chapel” at the Museum
After two decades of disuse, the Tin Chapel faced an uncertain fate in 1993 as the owners sought to sell the land it occupied. Seizing the opportunity to fulfil a longstanding aspiration, Chiltern Open Air Museum eagerly embraced the chance to acquire this "tin tabernacle”.
In October 1993, the meticulous process of dismantling the chapel began, paving the way for a careful reconstruction that unfolded between 1994 and 1997 at the Museum. This period marked a transformative journey, breathing new life into a structure laden with historical significance.
The Use of Henton Chapel
Constructed in 1886, the Tin Chapel served as a place of worship for the local community until 1973. For over eight decades, church services resonated within its corrugated iron walls, creating a sacred space for congregants.
Inside, the chapel bore witness to significant moments of spiritual reflection. Rows of fifty chairs flanked the central aisle, creating an intimate setting. A modest altar table adorned with brass candlesticks took center stage, accompanied by a lectern and a harmonium. Suspended oil lamps bathed the room in a warm glow, fostering an atmosphere of reverence.
In Henton, affectionately known as the "little tin church," the Rector of Chinnor delivered monthly sermons on Sunday afternoons. The chapel also witnessed christenings, a cherished tradition where parents contributed a bowl of water to mark the joyous occasion. The Tin Chapel, with its humble exterior, held within it a rich tapestry of community and spiritual life.
Virtually Tour Henton Tin Chapel
Inside the Henton Tin Chapel, intricate iron crests adorn the roof and bell tower. The piano-like instrument is a harmonium, an American reed organ crafted by Estey & Co. of Vermont.
A wheeled trolley at the back was historically used for transporting coffins, and if a horse was unaffordable, friends would step in to assist. During our harvest festival, the chapel comes alive with decorations crafted from fruits and vegetables grown at the museum. It transforms into one of the most charming settings during our Christmas celebrations, adorned with traditional holly and greenery for the festive season.