The non-conformist church buildings of Britain, that is to say the Protestant churches that are not the established Church of England (C of E), offer considerable interest to the architectural historian. Often they are built in the Gothic style favoured by the C of E, but more frequently than the established church they follow classical precedents. Sometimes you can see an obvious attempt to eclipse the size and decoration of the local C of E building: at other times there appears to be a deliberate determination to be different. Mostly, however, the size and wealth of the congregation dictates that the church be a lower-cost, brick-built rectangle under one roof, on the small side, and with the money spent where it will be seen - on the main elevation. Such is the case with the United Reformed Church (formerly the Congregational Chapel), a structure of 1846, in Newent, Gloucestershire. The stone facade is in the Gothic style with other elevations in brick (except for stone window tracery). The symmetry of its main elevation and its materials make a pleasing contrast with the brick, render and timber-framing of most of the buildings on the town's main streets.
photo © T. Boughen Camera: Sony DSC-RX100
