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St. Michael's in Breadstone

Tin chapels of Gloucestershire

There are a number of tin tabernacles and chapels in the county, for example in Amberley, Hepworth and Pagan Hill.

So why build tin churches and tabernacles?

It was cheap and practical. There was an urgent need for churches in the 1860s and so tin became the prefect product to use mainly by non-conformist groups such as Baptist and Methodists but also Roman Catholic churches.

A hunt for tin!

For many years photographer and film maker Alastair Ogilvie has searched high and low in search of tin tabernacles and chapels. He is exhibiting his work at the Gloucester Guildhall until the 28th April. Entry is free and open from 10am-9pm Tuesday to Saturday.

To view a selection of his work, click the following link:

In Pictures: Tin chapels >

BBC Radio Gloucestershire's Richard Atkins met up with Alastair on the site of the Breadstone tin tabernacle, but things didn't turn out quite in the way they had expected.

To listen to Richard's interview with Alastair, click the following link:

Interview: Alastair Ogilvie >

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"It could be hot in Summer, but it was lovely in the Winter"
Joan in Breadstone

Breadstone resident Joan told us that the Breadstone tin church had been built in 1878. Her mother in law was the second baby ever to be christened there. She said "It could be very hot in Summer, but it was lovely in the Winter".

To listen to what Joan had to say to Richard, click the following link:

Interview: Joan in Pagan Hill >

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Christine from Pagan Hill still worships at their tin church, having been part of the congregation for 45 years! There are two services every Sunday and they celebrated their centenary in 1999. The church has recently been painted and updated as part of the regeneration project in Pagan Hill.

To listen to what Christine had to say to Richard, click the following link:

Interview: Christine in Breadstone >

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last updated: 03/04/2008 at 15:52
created: 23/04/2007

Have Your Say

Do you worship in or live near to a tin church?

John Phillips
I can remember the Ark presbyterian chapel in Station Street Cinderford. I believe it closed in the 1960s and was afterwards used as a practice room for the Town Band.While still in use as a chapel it was used on weekdays as an overflow classroom for the nearby Bilson Junior School

gary greenhouse
Actually Guy there is some truth within your ponderings. Churches reflect the wealth of their congregation and tabernacles are mainly found in scummy areas. A good observation!

Guy Williams
I was wondering if tabernacles were designed to cater for devout peasants and yokels and the smarter looking churches were for those who could afford more than a few cabbages toward the weekly collection? Anyone have an opinion on this ponderous notion?

Liberal Archie
They are quite low key and modest these particular places of worship. I prefer things done a little more flamboyantly myself though which is why I go to Tewksbury Abbey when I pray.

TONI
JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW YOU HAVE THE WRONG INFO. CHRISTINE IS ACTUALLY FROM PAGANHILL. I KNOW HER WELL AND HAVE JOINTLY LED MORNING PRAYER WITH A FELLOW LMT MEMBER FROM THE STROUD DEANERY,IN THE LOVELY TIN CHURCH AT PAGANHILL. IT'S A VERY WARM AND FRIENDLY LITTLE CHURCH.

Leon O'Brady
Religion has been done on the cheap for ages. Many evangelical churches recruit their congregation from the streets and pray in empty warehouses so I've been told. It really makes you think doesn't it?

Hans Garooner
In the Netherlands we have quite a few of these tin churches. Developers are turning many into houses and even coffee shops. Some have been removed and at least one (in Amsterdam) has become a house of ill repute.

Colin Rezillo (structural engineer)
I think it's high time the vicars of this world clubbed together and put stone cladding on these tin houses of worship. You'll never get a visit from an Archbishop in all his finery to pay a visit to what can be viewed upon as a safety hazard.

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Tin chapels of Gloucestershire

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A hunt for tin!

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Related BBC Sites

Faith features

Tin chapels of Gloucestershire

So why build tin churches and tabernacles?

A hunt for tin!

Have Your Say

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