Avebury chapel: what now?

In 2017 the National Trust bought the Avebury Chapel stating that “Our vision is to develop this unique and beautiful building into a welcome and information space for both local communities and visitors to share our passion for the landscape, its abundant nature, and world-renowned archaeology.” It was a worthy aim and it cost them a pretty penny as it was on sale for £150,000 and they subsequently undertook considerable renovation work.

It was well worth it as the Chapel is one of the most unique former chapels in the world as it lies right in the centre of the largest stone circle in the world, with a breath-taking view over the standing stones. The Trust recognised this and appointed an Avebury Chapel Manager.

To be honest though, the uses to which the Trust has put it have been fairly limited and low profile, with occasional events and an announcement that “This summer the chapel will be open between Mondays and Thursdays. Visitors can pop in to see this beautiful and significant building as well as chat to a member of the team. On Mondays and Wednesdays there will also be family activities from making a butterfly feeding station to creating your own piece of nature art. Why not join in with one of these activities and tick off one of your ’50 things to do before you’re 11¾’?“

Things have changed though. In January it emerged the Trust intends to lease the building to Avebury Parish Council at a peppercorn rent in order for them to run it as a Community Exhibition Space. Six organisations have committed to contribute: Avebury Community Orchard, Avebury Society, Campaign for the Protection of Rural England, Friends of the Ridgeway, Marlborough Farmers Space for Nature, and Wiltshire Museum.

Hopefully, this will result in a better use than hitherto for a spectacular venue. We have a particular additional hope. Here is the last picture from Kennet Council’s Chapel Webcam before it was vandalised in 2004. It was said it would be reinstated in the summer of 2005 but it has never happened, even after the Trust acquired the building (and we nagged them). It is to be hoped that Avebury Parish Council will now reinstate this hugely popular facility, enjoyed by thousands of people all over the world, by mounting a camera safely inside the building.

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