Local historian Brian Payne leads Guyhirn walk for March Society

Although much is still unknown about the Chapel, Mr Payne’s research indicates that it was built in 1660 by the Puritans.

It is constructed from brick and Barnack stone. It looks very much like it would have done when it was built, even down to the absence of lighting or heating. It is not known if the chapel was ever consecrated but this hasn’t prevented marriages from being held there. The original narrow wooden pews, presumably preventing Puritans from kneeling, are still in place.

In 1878, when the new Church of St Mary Magdalene was built further along the road, the chapel fell into disuse. However it was brought back into use in the 1970s and it is now a grade ll listed building being looked after by the Churches Conservation Trust and the Friends of Guyhirn Chapel of Ease.

Two services are held there each year and the Guyhirn schoolchildren enjoy having assemblies in it during the summer terms.

The evening ended with a look at the Nene Way at Rings End.

The March Society meets on the second Wednesday each month. The June event is on June 8 at 7pm in March Library when Richard Edwards, Parliamentary outreach learning and development officer, will talk on ‘Parliament, Government and How to Influence Parliament’. Everyone is welcome. Members £2, non-members £3, including tea, coffee and biscuits.

Email: info@themarchsociety.org.uk

Website: www.themarchsociety.org.uk

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